A section of the elevated viaduct on Mumbai Metro 7A could require modification or partial reconstruction if aviation authorities do not approve the additional height needed for installing the overhead electrification (OHE) system, potentially putting civil works worth more than Rs 260 crore at risk.
The issue has emerged after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) found that the project’s general consultant did not adequately account for OHE-related height requirements during the design stage.
MMRDA Director, Metro Project, Basavaraj MB, said SYSTRA-CEG-SMCIPL was responsible for coordinating the project design and statutory clearances, including restrictions related to aviation safety. According to him, the additional height needed for OHE poles was not sufficiently highlighted or incorporated during planning.
MMRDA is currently pursuing the matter with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and awaiting its final technical assessment regarding permissible heights and any modifications required.
The Airport Colony station itself falls within the height limits cleared by airport authorities. However, the adjoining ramp requires an additional 2.4 metres to accommodate OHE poles. Other portions of the elevated alignment require additional height ranging from 0.025 metres to 2.244 metres.
MMRDA has been pursuing clearances with AAI, Mumbai International Airport Limited and the Ministry of Civil Aviation since April 2024. Communications were sent on April 25 and September 24, 2024, followed by letters dated January 29, March 20 and May 29, 2025.
If the required height clearances are denied, sections of the viaduct may have to be altered or reconstructed. This could increase project costs and cause further delays, while placing civil works valued at over Rs 260 crore at risk.
The Metro 7A corridor passes substantially through airport authority land. To facilitate the project, MMRDA and AAI had signed a memorandum of understanding on October 11, 2021.
The final decision now depends on the technical assessment and clearance from the aviation authorities.
Source: the Free Press Journal
