Plans for the proposed Metro Line 8, which aims to link Mumbai’s international airport with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, have sparked fresh environmental debate after 27.2 hectares of mangrove land at Mandale were earmarked for a metro car shed.
The Maharashtra government approved the Metro 8 corridor on February 24 to strengthen connectivity between the two airports and support growing passenger movement across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Along with the metro line, the project blueprint also includes the development of a car depot near the interstate bus terminal to support operations and maintenance.
According to a government resolution issued by the urban development department, the car shed will be constructed on 27.2 hectares of designated mangrove land in Mandale. The site is located adjacent to the existing car depot planned for Metro Line 2B.
However, the move has drawn criticism from environmentalists and activists, who have raised objections to the diversion of mangrove areas for infrastructure development. Similar concerns were previously voiced during debates over the proposed metro car shed in Bhayandar and the Metro Line 3 depot in the Aarey forest area.
Officials familiar with the planning process said alternative land parcels near the airport had already been earmarked for commercial use, making the Mandale location a more practical option for the depot. The cabinet has approved the land transfer process, and authorities said that all statutory permissions will be secured before construction activities commence.
The Comprehensive Transport Study conducted in 2021 had emphasised the need for a metro connection across Thane Creek to address the growing demand for public transport between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The report highlighted that rapid urban expansion and increasing commuter traffic could place significant pressure on the existing transport network.
Despite these justifications, environmental activists remain strongly opposed to the proposal. Some campaigners have questioned why the depot cannot be relocated to other government-owned land or areas currently occupied by informal settlements, suggesting that such land could instead be redeveloped to rehabilitate slum residents while preserving sensitive mangrove ecosystems.
Source: Mumbai Live
