Plans Underway to Connect Mumbai’s Two International Airports by Airport Express Metro Line
Navi Mumbai, January 2, 2025 – The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is gearing up to connect the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) via a 33-km-long metro line, providing a seamless travel experience between the two hubs.
According to a report by Free Press Journal, CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal confirmed the ambitious project during a media interaction at the NMIA, following the first commercial flight’s landing at the new airport on December 29, 2024. “Our goal is to ensure smooth and hassle-free inter-airport connectivity for commuters,” he said, emphasizing CIDCO’s commitment to delivering the Airport Express Line Metro swiftly.
Project Details and Timeline
The metro line, estimated to cost ₹15,000 crore, is expected to serve around nine lakh passengers daily. Plans include eight stations and a mix of elevated and underground tracks. A senior CIDCO official stated, “The detailed project report (DPR) is under preparation and will be completed within three months. Once finalized, the tendering process will commence immediately.”
The metro will feature a 15-minute frequency between trains, ensuring efficient transportation for passengers. The line is being developed in collaboration with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The MMRDA, via Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), is tasked with constructing the CSMIA to Mankhurd stretch of 11.1 km, while CIDCO will handle the connection from Mankhurd to NMIA.
A Step Towards Enhanced Urban Mobility
This project marks a significant leap in urban mobility for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, integrating two crucial transportation hubs and offering an alternative to road traffic. The initiative is part of CIDCO’s broader vision of developing NMIA into a world-class aviation hub and ensuring excellent connectivity for travelers.
With the first step already taken, the clock is ticking as CIDCO races to make the Airport Express Line Metro a reality.
