Mumbai: The Gold Line, or Metro 8, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport is back in the spotlight. The new govt is expected to decide on the executing agency for the critical infrastructure project soon.
Currently, no mass rapid transport system (MRTS) links the two airports. The Metro 8 corridor, envisioned as part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Metro Master Plan, is intended to fill this gap.
Ahead of assembly election, deliberations were held to finalise which agency would execute the project, as the route spans both the city and Navi Mumbai.
While the MMRDA and the state govt supported the execution of the project by Cidco (City and Industrial Development Corporation) via Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro), the then chief minister Eknath Shinde preferred MMRDA to take charge of the 35-km corridor.
“The then chief secretary and MMRDA were inclined towards Cidco executing the project through Maha Metro, as the majority of the route falls within Navi Mumbai,” a state govt official said.
Shinde could not finalise the decision. Now, with the Navi Mumbai airport set to open next year, the new govt under chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to expedite the Metro 8 project.
The Rs 15,000 crore metro line is designed to accommodate a daily ridership of nine lakh passengers.
