Mumbai Metro-8: The Gold Standard in Airport Travel – CSMIA to Navi Mumbai Airport in Just 30 Minutes

Ajjay Bhagyakar
Aug 14, 2025
3 min read

Imagine landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and making it to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in just half an hour — without battling traffic, toll booths, or unpredictable road delays. That’s exactly what Mumbai Metro Line 8, also called the Gold Line, promises to deliver.

This ambitious metro corridor is set to redefine airport connectivity, linking the two major airports through a seamless blend of underground and elevated travel — a first for the city.

What Is Mumbai Metro Line 8?

The Gold Line will connect CSMIA Terminal 2 in Andheri to NMIA in Navi Mumbai, slashing travel time from the current 2+ hours by road to just 30–40 minutes. Designed as an Airport Express, this metro line will offer a premium, fast, and comfortable commute — perfect for business travelers, tourists, and even airport staff.

Route & Stations

The journey starts underground from CSMIA T2 to Chhedanagar in Chembur, before switching to an elevated track all the way to Navi Mumbai Airport. The route will pass through some of the busiest and most connected zones in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, ensuring multiple interchange opportunities.

Likely Station List:

CSMIA T2 (Andheri, underground start point)
Marol Naka (interchange with Lines 1 & 3)
Saki Naka (Line 1)
Powai
Kanjurmarg (Line 6)
Mulund East
Airoli
Ghansoli
Koparkhairane
CBD Belapur
NMIA Terminal 1
NMIA Terminal 2

Length: 35 km total – 8.2 km underground, 25.8 km elevated

Project Timeline

Approval: January 2025
DPR: Prepared by CIDCO
Bidding: Expected late 2025
Construction Start: Mid 2026
Completion Target: Late 2028 to early 2029

High-Speed, Low-Stress Travel

The Gold Line will run at speeds up to 90 km/h, with trains every 15 minutes. Fewer stops compared to regular metro lines mean faster trips — perfect for tight airport connections.

Estimated Fares

While official fares are yet to be announced, early projections suggest:

Short trips: ₹20–₹30
Medium trips (e.g., Vashi–Belapur): ₹40–₹60
Long trips (e.g., Nerul to CSMIA): ₹100–₹120
Airport-to-airport: ₹150–₹180

The line is expected to feature smart card and mobile ticketing, monthly passes, and possibly airport-style amenities like luggage space and premium lounges.

Interconnections & Accessibility

Line 8 will plug directly into the wider Mumbai Metro and suburban rail network:

Metro Line 1 & 3: At Marol Naka
Metro Line 6: At Kanjurmarg
Future connections with Line 2B and suburban trains in Belapur

This means easy switching between airports, city business hubs, and residential zones — without stepping out into traffic.

Link with Navi Mumbai Metro

The Navi Mumbai Metro — already operational between CBD Belapur and Pendhar — will extend toward NMIA. The Gold Line will connect to this network at a proposed interchange in Belapur, creating a true multi-airport, multi-city metro ecosystem.

Navi Mumbai Metro Quick Facts:

Phase 1: 11.1 km, 11 stations (Belapur to Pendhar)
Planned Total: 23.6 km with 20 stations
Fare: ₹10–₹40
Frequency: Every 15 minutes (Phase 1)

Why It Matters

Time Saver: Cuts travel time by over 70% between airports.
Eco-Friendly: Reduces car trips, easing congestion and emissions.
Boosts Business: Ideal for corporate flyers, airport employees, and logistics.
Real Estate Impact: Likely to uplift property demand in Powai, Kanjurmarg, Airoli, and Navi Mumbai.
Tourism Growth: Easier airport transfers make Mumbai a more attractive global destination.

From the City to CSMIA

If you’re coming from different parts of Mumbai, here’s how you’ll reach CSMIA for Line 8:

From Andheri East: Take Metro 7A directly to CSMIA T2.
From Versova or Ghatkopar: Use Metro 1 to Airport Road station, then connect to Metro 7A.
From Dahisar or Mira-Bhayander: Use Metro 9 and switch to Metro 7.

The Future of Metro in Mumbai

With multiple lines operational and more under construction, Mumbai is rapidly becoming India’s “Maximum Metro City”. Metro Line 8 is the jewel in the crown — not just because of its gold branding, but because it will truly set the gold standard for urban and airport mobility.

Bottom Line:By the end of this decade, the chaos of inter-airport travel could be replaced by a swift, smooth, and air-conditioned ride with panoramic views of the city and harbour. For Mumbaikars and travellers alike, the Gold Line isn’t just another metro — it’s a leap into a faster, smarter, and more connected future.

Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar