Mumbai, Jan 27 (NationPress) During a significant meeting of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued several important directives to enhance the transport and connectivity framework of the state. The committee has officially approved the ambitious Metro Line 8 along with key highway initiatives in Nashik and Gadchiroli.

The 35 km Metro Line 8, part of the Gold Line, is a high-speed corridor that will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

Out of the total length, 9.25 km will be underground, while 24.636 km will be elevated. This Gold Line is intended to serve as a vital infrastructure link to significantly decrease travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It will feature 20 stations, including six underground stations from CSMIA Terminal 2 to Ghatkopar East and 14 elevated stations from Ghatkopar West to NMIA Terminal 2. The average distance between each station will be 1.9 km. The projected budget for this venture is Rs 22,862 crore.

Approximately 30.7 hectares of land will be required, costing about Rs 388 crore. CM Fadnavis instructed officials to finalize land acquisition and all regulatory approvals within six months, aiming to complete the entire project within three years thereafter.

Considering that NMIA is expected to accommodate a large volume of passenger traffic, seamless transit between the two airports will be crucial for travelers, airline personnel, cargo operators, and those traveling from outstation. Currently, the road journey between these airports can take over 70-90 minutes, varying with traffic conditions.

The Gold Line was initially planned in collaboration with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited. However, it will now be developed through a public-private partnership model by CIDCO, in collaboration with a private consortium.

To enhance connectivity in Eastern Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis urged the acceleration of the extended Samruddhi Mahamarg arms, which include sections of the Nagpur-Gondia and Bhandara-Gadchiroli highways. He stressed the importance of adhering to strict timelines to avoid cost overruns and delays.

In light of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the committee has expedited the 66.15 km Nashik City Outer Ring Road (Parikrama Marg) with an approved budget of Rs 3,954 crore.

Moreover, to support mineral transport in Gadchiroli, the committee has approved the enhancement of the Navegaon More - Konsari - Mulchera - Hedari - Surjagarh highway. This 85.76 km stretch will be upgraded to a four-lane cement concrete highway.

CM Fadnavis, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, emphasized the significance of readiness, stating that all essential permissions must be obtained prior to the commencement of physical work. He remarked, “Projects must be completed within the specified timeframe; there should be no unnecessary delays.”