In a significant milestone for Mumbai’s expanding metro network, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed a crucial tunnel on Metro Line 7A, connecting Andheri East to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The breakthrough was officially marked by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a ceremony held at the Airport Colony Station.
The 3.4-kilometre extension of the Red Line Seven comprises 2.5 kilometres of underground track and 0.94 kilometres of elevated corridor. This segment includes two key stations — Airport Colony (elevated) and Terminal Two (underground) — both aimed at easing travel to and from the city’s busiest air gateway. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) ‘Disha’ completed a 1.647-kilometre downline tunnel from Terminal Two, overcoming a host of engineering challenges along the way. Project engineers navigated through a dense urban environment, manoeuvring around underground utilities, existing metro infrastructure, and areas with minimal soil cover.
Once operational, Metro Line 7A will streamline transfers to Line 1 (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar) and Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), creating a more integrated transit experience for commuters. Furthermore, it is expected to eventually offer direct connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport via the planned Metro Line 8, making it a pivotal link in Mumbai’s future intermodal transport landscape.
According to MMRDA officials, overall construction on Metro Line 7A has reached approximately 59% completion, with the project on track for a December 2026 launch. The line is being touted as a major step forward in reducing traffic congestion and offering a sustainable, time-efficient alternative for airport-bound commuters.
Source: Construction World
