CIDCO has envisioned the execution of the Navi Mumbai Metro Project in phases, with a total corridor length of 25 km, the first phase, covering the route from CBD Belapur to Pendhar (Metro Line 1), has already become operational from November 2023. Operated by Maha Metro, this elevated metro system marks a significant milestone in the city’s transport infrastructure.
In response to increased traffic demand from economic centers and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), CIDCO has actively pursue the development of additional metro corridors:
Extension of Metro Line 1: Operational Success and Future extensions (Belapur to NMIA) Metro Line 1 currently runs from Belapur to Pendhar, covering 11.1 km and facilitating the daily commute of thousands of commuters. This stretch has enhanced accessibility to key residential and commercial areas. CIDCO is further extending this line (Metro Line 1A) from Belapur to NMIA via sagarsangam interchange station with proposed Metro Line 8 opposite NMMC HQ adding 3.02 km. This will allow passengers to access both airport terminals via metro, reducing reliance on road-based transport.
Operations Control Center (OCC): The OCC for Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 oversees the planning, real-time monitoring, and control of train movements. It ensures punctuality, safety, and coordination with service teams, enabling smooth metro services.
Metro Train Driving Simulator: To ensure operational excellence, CIDCO has introduced a metro driving simulator for training operators. This computer-based system mimics real train dynamics, offering a highly realistic environment for driver training and control system familiarization.
Metro Line 2 (Pendhar to NMIA T-4)
Metro line 2 is planned to connect Pendhar to NMIA (east side via Pendhar), is expected to enhance connectivity to rapidly developing areas. with a total length of approximately 15 km, this line will provide a direct link to PMAY housing schemes and the Taloja MIDC Industrial belt. This corridor will benefit not only daily office-goers but also workers employed in manufacturing hubs at Taloja MIDC.
CIDCO is currently carrying out the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this corridor, which is expected to significantly increase ridership due to the dense population and industrial activity in the region.
Metro Line 8 (CSMIA – NMIA Connectivity): Connecting Two Airports
One of the most ambitious plans under CIDCO’s Vision is metro line 8, which will connect Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) (Mumbai Airport) to NMIA (Navi Mumbai International Airport). As a part of the Comprehensive Transportation Study (CTS –2021) for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), this line will cover a distance of approximately around 35 km.
The Metro line 8 will start at CSMIA T-2 Terminal station and runs underground between the CSMIA and Chedanagar, then it run elevated till NMIA. The alignment passes along the key areas like Kurla, LTT, Mankhurd, Vashi, Nerul and Belapur.
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The salient features of Metro line is as follows:
Approx Length: 35 Km
Underground Length: 9.25Km
Elevated Length: 25.63Km
The Proposed line will strengthen inter-airport connectivity and cater to growing domestic and international passenger traffic. It is also expected to enhance ease of transfer between the two airports, on tight schedules or connecting flights. The Project also aims to decongest surrounding roadways and reduce travel time for airport-bound commuters.
"The Navi Mumbai Metro project has been planned to provide excellent intra-city connectivity within Navi Mumbai. Metro Line No. 1, developed from Belapur to Pendhar, has received a great response from commuters since day one. This metro line has provided excellent connectivity to CIDCO housing complexes in CBD Belapur, Taloja MIDC, Kharghar, and Taloja. Implementation of Metro line No. 2, 3, and 4 will also be carried out in the near future. Additionally, there is an ambitious plan to connect Navi Mumbai International Airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport via Mumbai Metro in the coming period", said Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, CIDCO.
A Vision Backed by Strategic Planning
Considering the long term mobility needs of Navi Mumbai, CIDCO conducted in-depth feasibility studies to explore the most suitable transportation solutions. Metro rail emerged as the most efficient and sustainable option. The Government of Maharashtra appointed CIDCO as the nodal agency to implement priority corridors like Belapur- Pendhar- Kalamboli- Khandeshwar ensuring that urban growth is well- supported by transit infrastructure.
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