The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has ‘almost finalised’ the detailed project report (DPR) for the highly anticipated Airport Express Line Metro. This new metro corridor will connect the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for commuters. According to sources familiar with the project, the proposed metro line will span a total length of 34 km, with 25.8 km of elevated tracks and an 8.2-km underground section. The route will include 20 stations, comprising 14 elevated and six underground stops. By 2061, the metro is projected to handle a daily ridership of 22.7 lakh passengers, with a Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) of 37,000 commuters. Designed to improve east-west connectivity, the new metro corridor will seamlessly integrate with Mumbai’s existing metro and suburban rail networks, along with key bus terminals. This alignment aims to enhance access to major economic zones, institutional areas, and emerging commercial hubs across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). During a landmark event marking the first commercial flight landing at NMIA on December 29, 2024, CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal reaffirmed the corporation’s dedication to smooth inter-airport connectivity. Singhal highlighted the significance of the Airport Express Line Metro in delivering a seamless travel experience for passengers. The project, estimated to cost Rs 150 billion, will feature trains operating at 15-minute intervals, connecting critical points along the route. The ambitious metro line is a collaborative effort between CIDCO and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). MMRDA, in partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), will manage the construction of the 11.1-kilometer stretch from CSMIA to Mankhurd, while CIDCO will extend the line from Mankhurd to NMIA. Officials anticipate that the Airport Express Line Metro will be a transformative project, significantly reducing travel time, alleviating traffic congestion, and boosting economic activity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The finalization of route alignment and the commencement of construction activities are expected soon, marking a crucial step forward in the region’s transport infrastructure development.