The Gold Line Metro, also called Metro 8, would become one of the vital connectivity hubs between two major airports of Maharashtra: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai and the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport. Metro 8 is likely to cost about Rs 15,000 crore and is expected to smoothen transportation between the major hubs and enhance connectivity in MMR.
What is this Gold Line Metro Project?
The Gold Line Metro, also called Metro 8, is one of the proposed MRTS that links the airports in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Currently, no direct public transportation connecting these two airports as of now. It really inconveniences travelers to commute between the two airports. It is one of the plans of the MMRDA’s Metro Master Plan, proposing to build up the infrastructure of transportation within that region.
This 35-kilometer corridor will greatly passengers between these two significant airports. This new metro line will be able to carry passengers up to nine lakh on a daily basis, making it an integral addition to the public transport of Mumbai.
Deliberations Over the Executing Agency
Earlier, there was a decision by the Maharashtra government over which agency would execute the Gold Line Metro project. Given that the route cuts across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, a decision was held to resolve which executing body best suited this particular project.
Initially, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the state government leaned toward assigning the task to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco), to be executed through Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro). This would have ensured efficient management since Cidco would have been involved in infrastructural development in Navi Mumbai.
But the preferred view of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was with MMRDA taking on the whole stretch, as the agency has previous experience in conducting similar high-profile urban transportation projects. Even after these discussions, the decision with regard to the executing agency could not be finalized when Shinde’s term ended.
Current Developments: Fadnavis Government’s Resurgence
The project has assumed urgency with the opening of the Navi Mumbai International Airport scheduled for next year. The newly appointed government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to finalize the agency responsible for executing the Metro 8 project.
This is a crucial decision not only for completing the metro line on time but also for the long-term success of transportation infrastructure in the region.
Considering that both airports will process millions of passengers every year, there will be a great necessity to have efficient people flow between the two hubs towards economic growth and easier travel.
Metro 8: A Mumbai and Navi Mumbai Game Changer
This is a metro line that promises to change public transport between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. After completion, the metro will provide fast, reliable, and affordable means of traveling between the two airports, shortening journey times for travelers.
This project has the potential for nine lakh daily passengers, implying a massive requirement for commuters on the route. Secondly, this would also remove road congestion, with further environmental considerations as there is an opportunity to forego private usage of the car. Since it happens to be one of Maharashtra’s more ambitious infrastructure ventures, Gold Line Metro will form a huge leap forward in its public transportation system.
Conclusion: A vital infrastructure project for the future
The Gold Line Metro project is a step forward in the improvement of connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With the final decision on the executing agency likely to be made soon, the project is expected to gain momentum in the coming months. Once completed, Metro 8 will play a vital role in easing traffic congestion, reducing travel time, and accommodating the growing number of passengers between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports. As the state government pushes forward with finalizing details, there is keen attention on smooth implementation of this Rs 15,000 crore project that promises to benefit crores of commuters.
Refer :
TOI, Link to article
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