Breakthrough Achieved in Underground Tunnel Work of Metro Line 7A

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Attends Milestone Event

Mumbai : A significant milestone was achieved in the construction of Metro Line 7A, with the successful completion of the 1.65 km-long underground tunnel breakthrough between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T2) and Andheri East. The event was graced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MLA Parag Alavani, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, and Additional Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, among others.

At the start of the event, CM Fadnavis was briefed by officials on the project’s progress. He then activated the breakthrough mechanism by pressing a button and later inspected the tunnel. This underground tunnel is part of the downline of Metro 7A, connecting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Station to the Airport Colony Station. The route is crucial for expanding the metro network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The line will provide metro connectivity between Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai–Virar and the airport. It will also eventually link to the Thane and Navi Mumbai international airports. As of now, 59% of the project work is completed.

About Metro Line 7A:
The total length of this metro route is 3.4 km, comprising 0.94 km of elevated and 2.50 km of underground track. Two stations will be constructed: Airport Colony (elevated) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (underground). The elevated track covers 0.57 km, while the twin-bore tunnel stretches 2.035 km. The first tunnel drive for the downline began on September 1, 2023. The tunnel is 1.65 km long and has been lined with 1,180 precast rings, specially designed and installed in six segments. It has a diameter of 6.35 meters.

In September 2023, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was launched 30 meters below ground. The tunnel boring operation faced numerous challenges as it passed beneath Metro Line 3, Sahar elevated roads, large sewage pipelines, and water mains. Despite these, the breakthrough was completed successfully.

This line will enable seamless and comfortable travel for commuters from Colaba to Vasai–Virar and Mira–Bhayandar. It will also ensure direct metro connectivity from various parts of MMR to the airport. Moreover, the underground station on Metro Line 7A will integrate smoothly with the underground station of Metro Line 3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ), ensuring safe, convenient, and efficient travel for passengers. The elevated and underground design has minimized land use in the densely populated airport zone.