In a bid to decongest traffic, improve connectivity and reduce travel time, Mumbai is on infrastructure overhaul. In the last two years, Mumbai City has got new link roads such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Mumbai Coastal Road etc. three lines of Mumbai Metro and one Navi Mumbai Metro line operational for public use. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is work in progress and is expected to start operations in 2025.
For this, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is in coordination with the City and Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra (Cidco) to connect the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) with the Navi Mumbai International Airport through Line 8 of Mumbai Metro. This Airport Express Train is also known as the Gold Line. In this article, know in detail about the Line 8 of the Mumbai Metro, route and construction details.
Mumbai Metro Line 8: What is the Gold Line?
The Mumbai Metro Line 8 is called the Gold Line. The Gold Line Metro route is a 35 km fully elevated proposed Mumbai Metro route between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This is the first mass rapid transit system connecting the two cities. It is known as soneri margika in Marathi.
The Maharashtra government through a government resolution (GR) on January 27, 2025 approved the construction of the Mumbai Metro Line 8 under the public private partnership (PPP). The project cost of the Gold Line is expected to be around Rs 15,000 crore.
Mumbai Metro Line 8: Quick facts
| Starting station | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) |
| Ending station | Navi Mumbai International Airport |
| Also known as | Line 8 |
| To be developed by | MMRDA and Cidco |
| Number of stations proposed | 8 |
| Length of the corridor | 35 km |
| Speed | 90 km/hr |
| Project cost |
Mumbai Metro Line 8 Map
Source: MMMOCL
What is the Mumbai Metro Line 8 route details?
The line will be divided into different stretches.
- Andheri to Ghatkopar
- Ghatkopar to Mankhurd
- Mankhurd to Seawoods
- Seawoods to Navi Mumbai International Airport
The Mumbai Metro Line 8 route will begin at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) Terminal 2 in Andheri, Mumbai and travel underground up to Chedda Nagar, Chembur. From here it will continue as an elevated line until the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Media reports suggest that according to DPR, the alignment will pass through key urban locations such as Kurla, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mankhurd, Vashi, Nerul and Belapur.
Additionally, as part of the DPR, Cidco is extending the Line 1A of the already operational Navi Mumbai Metro from Belapur to NMIA. This will integrate with the Mumbai Metro Line 8 at Sagar Sangam Interchange station opposite the NMMC headquarters.
This airport line will be similar to the airport line in Delhi- high speed transit system servicing fewer stations for faster connectivity. Media reports suggest that since this is an airport line, the frequency of this metro line will be less than the regular lines of the Mumbai metro and will be around once in 15 minutes.
What will be the time taken to travel between CSMIA and NMIA with Line 8?
Presently, the time taken to travel between the two airports – CSMIA (Andheri) and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is over two hours by road. With the Gold Line in place, the approximate time taken to travel between the two airports will be 30 minutes.
Details on construction of Mumbai Metro Gold Line
- The construction of Gold Line on the Mumbai region will be carried by the MMRDA.
- The construction of Gold Line on the Navi Mumbai region will be carried by the Cidco.
- While initially the Gold Line was supposed to be elevated, there are media reports that suggest that this line will be a combination of elevated and underground metro.
Mumbai Metro 8: Traffic and pollution impact
The Gold Line Mumbai Metro 8 is expected to reduce the traffic congestion by providing direct access to both the airports. Additionally, this will reduce plying of taxis and cars which will have a direct impact on the air quality index (AQI) of the city. Finally, the travel time will be reduced and traffic movement in the city will be systematic and orderly.
What is the daily ridership expected on Mumbai Metro Line 8?
Once operational the daily ridership of the Mumbai Metro 8 is expected to be around 5 lakh people. This is because the high speed connectivity and the sleek design of the metro will make it one of the most preferred choice of transport for the people. The Gold Line Mumbai Metro is based on the Gold Line Delhi Metro which has few stops and high speed ensuring faster connectivity.
Impact of Mumbai Metro Line 8 on real estate
Mumbai Metro has had a positive impact on the prices of real estate. As Mumbai Metro improves connectivity, the prices of the nearby locations surge. This is true for both commercial and residential projects. Industry experts mention that both commercial and residential projects in Andheri have seen a positive price revision because of the presence of Mumbai Metro Line 1, 2A, 7, 7A and 3. As the golden line is another important infrastructure between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, there will be significant positive influence on the real estate prices in key areas in both the cities.
Areas like Andheri and Ghatkopar that are established commercial destinations will see more commercial development as businesses would look for offices near the airport for easy connectivity. This will also up the demand in the residential segment. Navi Mumbai which is a planned city has Seawoods Darave, Ulwe and New Panvel positioned and developed in and around key infrastructural developments such as transit oriented development, Navi Mumbai International Airport and the MTHL that have all contributed to the real estate prices in Navi Mumbai especially in the last five years.
Thus, popular localities such as Andheri, Ghatkopar, Vashi, Seawoods, Panvel etc. are expected to see a surge in property rates once the airport and the Mumbai Metro Line 8 offering connectivity will be ready for operation.
Mumbai Metro 8: Localities that will be impacted
Popular localities such as Andheri, Ghatkopar, Vashi, Seawoods, Panvel etc. are expected to see a surge in property rates once the airport and the Mumbai Metro 8 offering connectivity will be ready for operation.
For property purchase
| Location | Average price/sqft | Price range/sqft |
| Andheri (W) | Rs 28,133 | Rs 60,000 |
| Andheri (E) | Rs 20,406 | Rs 4,687 to Rs 34,961 |
| Ghatkopar (W) | Rs 18, 057 | Rs 7,333 to Rs 28,421 |
| Vashi | Rs 16,911 per sqft | Rs 16,911 per sqft |
| Seawoods | Rs 17,699 per sqft | Rs 4,076 – Rs 33,750 |
| Panvel | Rs 6,863 per sqft | Rs 1,428 – Rs 14,285 |
For rent
| Location | Average rent | Price range |
| Andheri (W) | Rs 76,181 | Rs 6,000-Rs 1 Lakh |
| Andheri (E) | Rs 52,673 | Rs 18,000-Rs 1 Lakh |
| Ghatkopar (W) | Rs 47,058 | Rs 25,000 – Rs 90,000 |
| Vashi | Rs 49,238 | Rs 20,000 to Rs 90,000 |
| Seawoods | Rs 64,437 | Rs 15,000 to Rs 1 lakh |
| Panvel | Rs 18,650 | Rs 5,500 to Rs 45,999 |
Housing.com POV
Gold Line Metro is one of the most important metro lines in Mumbai that will connect two important landmarks – the existing airport in Mumbai and the soon to be operational (in 2025) airport in Navi Mumbai. While the DPR is ready and the project will be executed by the MMRDA and Cidco, a time frame for the start and completion of this project has not yet been shared. Having this constructed as early will help in optimization of the airport services of both airport while being successful in decongesting the roads.
FAQs
How many Mumbai Metro lines are operational?
Currently, Line 1, 2A, 3 (phase-1), 7, 7A are operational and Line 1 is operational in Navi Mumbai.
Who has drafted the DPR for the Gold Line Mumbai Metro?
Cidco is drafting the DPR for the Gold Line Mumbai Metro.
What is the length of the Gold Line Mumbai Metro?
Gold Line Mumbai Metro is expected to be around 35 km.
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