The Airport Authority of India’s (AAI) height limits have caused a hitch in the Mumbai Metro 7A project, which aims to link Gundavali with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Construction has been halted as a result, severely delaying the already past-due project.
The authorised height limitations in the airport’s air funnel zone—a designated flight path that ensures safe aircraft landings and takeoffs—were not noticed by the general consultant, which prompted the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to file a revised permission request. There is a serious risk to aviation safety from any blockage in this area.
The 3.42-km Metro 7A corridor, a mix of elevated and underground sections, is being constructed by J Kumar Infra projects Ltd, with consultancy services provided by a consortium of Systra India and Consulting Engineers Group Ltd under Systra MVA Consulting.
MMRDA initially sought AAI’s clearance in November 2023 for the construction of the Airport Colony station and the ramp area. However, the approval granted on January 2, 2024, was 2.9 meters lower than the required height, immediately halting construction in affected sections. In response, MMRDA reapplied on January 31, 2024, seeking an exemption due to engineering constraints that prevent altering the metro’s gradient.
An MMRDA official confirmed they are still awaiting AAI’s revised approval. The delays have been attributed to the general consultant’s oversight, as internal documents reveal that the station’s design was finalised without referring to AAI’s height restrictions.
The Metro 7A project, which was first expected to be finished in 2021, has seen numerous delays; the most recent date is December 2026, and it is expected to cost Rs 812 crore. Even though Mumbai Metro 3 has arrived at the airport, last-mile connection is still insufficient, which has further increased passenger discomfort due to the continuous delays.
Source: Swarajya
