• By Nidhi Giri
  • Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:29 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has announced its plan to commence the tendering process for the Airport Express Line Metro within three months, ensuring seamless connectivity between the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai.

Key Developments

On December 29, 2024, the first commercial flight landed at NMIA, marking a significant milestone in the region's aviation infrastructure. On this occasion, CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal reaffirmed the agency's commitment to delivering smooth inter-airport connectivity through an advanced metro line.

Details of the Project

1. Scope and Status

* The proposed Airport Express Line Metro will span 33 km and is designed to link NMIA with CSMΙΑ.

* The detailed project report (DPR) for the metro is under preparation and expected to be completed within three months.

* Once the DPR is finalised, CIDCO plans to immediately initiate the tendering process to expedite the project's completion.

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2. Metro Design and Features

* The metro will combine elevated and underground sections, with route alignment being finalised as part of the DPR process.

* The 33-km route will have eight stations, facilitating smooth transit for commuters.

* Trains will run at 15-minute intervals, ensuring efficient operations.

* The metro line is expected to handle daily ridership of nine lakh passengers, significantly easing travel between the two airports.

3. Cost and Coordination

* The project is estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore.

* CIDCO is collaborating with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to execute the project seamlessly.

• MMRDA will construct Metro Line 8 from CSMIA to Mankhurd (11.1 km), while CIDCO will extend the line from Mankhurd to NMIA.

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Airport Express Line Metro Benefits

1. Efficient Connectivity

* The project aims to provide a direct, fast, and hassle-free transit option for passengers between Mumbai's two key airports.

2. Economic Boost

* By enabling smooth travel, the metro will enhance NMIA's accessibility, boosting the region's economic activity.

3. Reduced Traffic Congestion

* The metro is expected to ease traffic on roads, promoting sustainable urban transport.

4. Passenger Convenience

* With a 15-minute train frequency, the line will ensure timely and reliable service for daily commuters and travelers.

CIDCO's decision to prioritise this project highlights the agency's focus on addressing the infrastructure needs of the rapidly growing Navi Mumbai region. The completion of the DPR and initiation of the tendering process will mark significant progress in delivering world-class transit solutions for airport commuters.

This landmark project is expected to transform inter-airport travel in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, providing a vital link for millions of passengers.