STN: The Maharashtra government has approved Mumbai Metro Line 8, a 34.9 km metro corridor that will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai with Navi Mumbai International Airport. The total project cost stands at ₹22,862.07 crore.
The government issued a formal resolution for the project on Tuesday. Officials have planned the metro line to provide direct airport-to-airport connectivity. The new corridor will link two major aviation hubs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The state has classified the project as a “Vital Urban Transport Project.” This step follows the planned start of operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport’s first phase on December 25, 2025.
Project Cost and Funding Structure of Mumbai Metro Line 8
The government will implement Mumbai Metro Line 8 under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. The project will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structure.
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will cover 40 percent of the total cost. The central government will contribute 20 percent. The Maharashtra government will also contribute 20 percent. Each will provide ₹3,446 crore.
The private concessionaire will finance around 56.72 percent of the project cost, which is about ₹9,773 crore. Navi Mumbai International Airport will contribute ₹564 crore.
The state government has clarified that it will not provide a sovereign guarantee for loans raised by the concessionaire or CIDCO.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) will execute the project.
Route, Stations and Structure of Mumbai Metro Line 8
Mumbai Metro Line 8 will include 20 stations. Fourteen stations will be elevated. Six stations will be underground.
Out of the total 34.9 km route, 25.09 km will run on elevated tracks. The remaining 9.8 km will run underground.
The corridor will reduce traffic pressure on key routes between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. These routes include the Sion-Panvel Highway and the Atal Setu (Sewri–Nhava Sheva sea link). The metro line will provide direct and faster movement between both airports.
The government expects the corridor to improve transport integration across the region. It will connect air travel with other modes of transport.
Construction Timeline and Operations Plan for Mumbai Metro Line 8
Construction will begin in June 2026. Authorities aim to complete the project by May 2031.
A 27.2-hectare metro car depot will come up at Mandale. The depot will support train operations and maintenance.
In 2031, trains will run at an interval of 5.32 minutes during peak hours. By 2061, the interval may reduce to 3.02 minutes.
Officials project daily ridership at around 9.82 lakh passengers in 2031.
Proposed fares for 2031–32 will start at ₹15 for the first three kilometres. The fare may go up to ₹125 for journeys longer than 42 km.
A high-power committee led by the Chief Secretary will monitor the project. The committee will track timelines and execution.
The government has also planned rehabilitation measures for affected persons. Authorities will provide housing options or one-time compensation packages.
Impact on Regional Transport
Mumbai Metro Line 8 will create a direct link between two international airports. This connection will help passengers travel faster between terminals located in different cities.
The project also aims to support long-term transport planning in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It will strengthen airport connectivity and reduce dependency on road travel.
Officials believe the corridor will support future passenger growth and improve movement across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Yes. Authorities plan to integrate the corridor with existing and upcoming metro lines to allow easier transfers across the city network.
A: The line is expected to use modern metro train sets designed for high-frequency urban operations.
A: The exact travel time has not been officially announced. However, the metro is expected to reduce travel time compared to road routes.
A: The selected private concessionaire under the DBFOT model will operate and maintain the line during the concession period.
A: Yes. Large metro projects usually generate jobs during construction and operations phases.
