September 23, 2025: CIDCO is taking key steps to advance the Metro 8 project, a strategic line linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) in Mumbai to Navi Mumbai International Airport. The authority has issued tenders to hire a consultant to reassess the comprehensive project plan and ensure smooth implementation via a public-private partnership (PPP).
Metro 8 is a vital part of the 337 km Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) metro network managed by MMRDA. Spanning approximately 35 km with an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore, the line will drastically cut travel time between the two airports. “If this line is active, the trip from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport will take only 30 minutes instead of one and a half to two hours,” officials said. The project is expected to take at least six years for completion once construction begins.
Under the current plan, CIDCO will oversee the section in its jurisdiction, while MMRDA will handle the MMR segment. The 10.1 km stretch from CSMI Airport to Mankhurd has been prepared by MMRDA with inputs from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The route starts underground at CSMIA Terminal 2, becomes elevated after Chedda Nagar, and passes through major hubs such as Kurla, LTT, and Vashi. The plan also envisions extending Line 1A to connect with Metro 8 at Sagar Sangam, integrating the network efficiently.
Following the state government’s February directive to implement Metro 8 through a PPP, CIDCO has begun reviewing the detailed project report (DPR) and coordinating with stakeholders to finalise approvals. “CIDCO has taken responsibility for the project and will review the existing detailed plan. A tender has been issued to appoint a consultant to assist with the review and implementation of the construction and operation of Metro Line 8,” officials said.
Once completed, Metro 8—dubbed the ‘Golden Line’—is set to revolutionise connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, providing a fast, seamless, and modern transit option for air travellers.
Source: The Free Press Journal
