Mumbai’s two airports to be connected in 30–35 minutes with metro’s Gold Line
The metro link is seen as crucial as the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports are expected to work together as a twin-airport system, handling the region’s growing passenger traffic.
Mumbai Metro’s Line 8, or the Gold Line, will provide a direct rail link between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. (File Photo)
Travel between Mumbai’s two international airports is set to become much faster with the Maharashtra Government approving the construction of Mumbai Metro’s Line 8, also known as the Gold Line, which will connect the Mumbai airport with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Once the line is completed, the journey between the airports is expected to take 30 to 35 minutes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who made the decision at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, asked officials to ensure that all permissions are obtained in advance and that projects are completed on time.
Mumbai Metro’s Line 8 will provide a direct rail link between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. The metro line will be 35 km long and have 20 stations.
Six stations will be underground and 14 elevated. The underground section will run from the Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2 to Ghatkopar East, while the elevated section will connect Ghatkopar West to Navi Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2. The average distance between two stations on the line will be under 2 km.
The project will require 30.7 hectares of land, with land acquisition costs estimated at Rs 388 crore. The total cost of the project is Rs 22,862 crore. Officials have been asked to complete land acquisition and all clearances within six months, after which the project must be completed within three years.
The metro link is seen as crucial as the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports are expected to work together as a twin-airport system, handling the region’s growing passenger traffic.
The Government also directed officials to expedite work on extensions of the Samruddhi Expressway, including the Nagpur–Gondia and Bhandara–Gadchiroli stretches.
The Cabinet also approved the upgrading of Gadchiroli’s Navegaon More–Konsari–Mulchera–Hedri–Surjagad road, which is mainly used for mineral transport. The 85.76-km stretch will be developed as a four-lane concrete road.
Story continues below this ad
Ahead of the Kumbh Mela, the Government also cleared the Nashik ring road, a 66.15-km project costing Rs 3,954 crore, aimed at easing traffic and improving movement around the city.
During the meeting, Fadnavis directed officials to stick to timelines and avoid delays as the Government pushes for the faster completion of major infrastructure projects across Maharashtra.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More
