MMRDA achieves First Tunnel Breakthrough for Mumbai Metro Line 7A

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major milestone for Mumbai’s expanding metro network, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has successfully completed its first underground tunnel breakthrough for Metro Line 7A, a vital link that will directly connect the city to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

The breakthrough, marking a significant step in the development of Mumbai Metro Line 7A, was achieved with the push of a button by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of senior dignitaries including Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha (Minister of Tourism, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship), MLA Shri Parag Alawani, and key officials from MMRDA, including Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Shri Vikram Kumar, IAS, and Shri Ashwin Mudgal.

The 1.6-kilometer underground tunnel was built using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launched on September 1, 2023. The route posed multiple engineering challenges, requiring the TBM to carefully navigate above the active Metro Line 3 and beneath the Sahar Elevated Road and key utility lines. Despite the complexity, the breakthrough was completed on schedule, showcasing MMRDA’s engineering excellence.

Key Features of Mumbai Metro Line 7A

• Airport Connectivity: Direct access to CSMIA, enabling faster airport transfers

• Strategic Coverage: Links major metro corridors from Colaba to Vasai-Virar, and connects with Thane and Navi Mumbai International Airport

• Metro Line 7A Stations:

  • Airport Colony Metro Station (Elevated)

  • CSMIA Metro Station (Underground)

• Overall Progress: 59% of the construction work is complete

With this achievement, Metro Line 7A is poised to become a crucial transit link, enhancing public transportation in Mumbai and reducing traffic congestion around airport areas.

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, stated:

"This tunnel breakthrough on Metro Line 7A is an engineering marvel. It connects elevated and underground metro systems in one of the most complex transit zones. With this, our vision of seamless metro connectivity to the airport is becoming a reality. Our target of 150 km of metro network by next year is well within reach."

Shri Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of MMRDA, commented:

"This is a proud moment for Mumbai. Metro Line 7A will transform how citizens move across the city and access the airport. MMRDA’s dedication to building world-class infrastructure is evident in this milestone."

Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, added:

"Connecting Mumbai’s metro network to the international airport is a vital step forward. This 1.6 km tunnel brings us closer to a unified, efficient, and global-standard transit system for both citizens and international travelers."

MMRDA is currently developing a total of 337 km of metro lines across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Operational corridors include Metro Lines 1, 2A, 3, and 7, and several others are under rapid construction to enhance urban mobility and infrastructure development in Mumbai.

As Mumbai continues its journey toward becoming a global transport hub, Metro Line 7A stands out as a key project enabling seamless travel, airport accessibility, and interconnectivity across the city.