CIDCO has taken a major step forward in the development of Metro Line 8, a crucial corridor connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
On Tuesday, CIDCO issued tenders to appoint a consultant to reassess the comprehensive project plan, marking the beginning of a fresh review of the entire project.
Metro Line 8, spanning approximately 35 km, is estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore and will significantly reduce travel time between the two airports, from nearly two hours to just 30 minutes. The project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with CIDCO and a private entity working together to bring the plan to life. Construction is expected
to take at least six years once initiated.
As per earlier plans, MMRDA was assigned responsibility for the section within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), while CIDCO would manage the stretch within its jurisdiction. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had previously prepared the DPR for the 10.1 km stretch from CSMIA to Mankhurd.
Mumbai Metro 8: Underground And Elevated Stations
The Metro 8 route will start underground at CSMIA Terminal 2 in Andheri and rise to an elevated track beyond Chedda Nagar. The line will pass through key hubs, including Kurla, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Vashi. CIDCO is also planning to integrate Line 1A with Metro 8 at Sagar Sangam.
With the Maharashtra government’s nod for PPP in February, CIDCO is now revisiting the project to finalise the plan, secure approvals, and push towards implementation.
Designed as an airport express, the metro trains are likely target to speeds up to 90 km/h, with reduced stops and fewer stations to ensure speedier travel (30-40 mins versus 2+ hours by road) with frequency planned at every 15 minutes.
Official ticket rates have not been announced yet. Estimated fares (projected) could be short segments: Rs 20-30; medium (e.g., Vashi-Belapur): Rs 40-60; Long (Seawoods/Nerul to CSMIA): Rs 100-120; Airport-to-airport: Rs 150-180.
By strengthening the travel infrastructure, the proposed metro line will offer major relief to airport commuters across Mumbai and its suburbs.
