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Maha: Metro Line 7A underground tunnel breakthrough successfully completed

IANS April 17, 2025 277 views

Mumbai has achieved a significant infrastructure milestone with the successful underground tunnel breakthrough for Metro Line 7A. The project, overseen by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, connects critical urban transportation networks including the international airport. The 1.65-kilometer tunnel represents a complex engineering feat, navigating multiple existing infrastructure lines. When completed, this metro line will provide seamless connectivity across Mumbai's metropolitan regions, enhancing urban mobility and transportation efficiency.

"The tunnel breakthrough represents a significant engineering achievement" - MMRDA Official"
Mumbai, April 17: The breakthrough of the 1.65-kilometre underground tunnel on Mumbai Metro Line 7A, from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T2) to Andheri East, was successfully completed on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Key Points

1

Mumbai Metro Line 7A completes critical 1.65 km underground tunnel

2

Project connects international airport with metropolitan regions

3

Engineering marvel navigating complex urban infrastructure challenges

4

Integrated metro network expansion progressing smoothly

The tunnel is being constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

The Chief Minister reviewed detailed information about the project from officials and initiated the breakthrough by pressing the button. He later inspected the work on-site. This particular tunnel is located on the downline of Metro Line 7A, between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport station and the Airport Colony station.

This metro link is a crucial segment of the Mumbai metropolitan area's expanding metro network. With this line, Mira-Bhayander and further up to Vasai-Virar will be connected to the international airport. Eventually, the Thane and Navi Mumbai International Airports will also be linked via metro. Currently, 59 per cent of the total work on Metro Line 7A has been completed.

According to the MMRDA, Metro Line 7A stretches over 3.4 kilometres, 0.94 km is elevated, and 2.5 km is underground. The line will have two stations: one elevated at Airport Colony and the other underground at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Out of the total length, 0.57 km is elevated, while the twin tunnels are 2.035 km long.

The first tunnel drive for the downline began on September 1, 2023. The 1.65-km tunnel includes 1,180 pre-cast rings used for lining, each ring specially designed and divided into six parts, with a tunnel diameter of 6.35 meters.

In September 2023, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was lowered 30 meters underground.

Despite multiple engineering challenges, passing under Metro Line 3, the Sahar Elevated Road, major sewer and water pipelines, the breakthrough was completed successfully. This new line will allow passengers to travel comfortably from Colaba to Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayander. It will also provide seamless integration with other metro lines in the city, including Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), which connects to the underground airport station.

The blend of elevated and underground alignments ensures minimal land usage in densely populated airport zones, enabling a smoother metro construction process.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
Finally some good infrastructure news! This will be a game-changer for airport connectivity. Can't wait to ditch the cabs and traffic jams 🚇
P
Priya K.
The engineering challenges sound intense - passing under existing metro lines and major pipelines. Kudos to the workers making this happen!
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate the progress, I hope they maintain quality standards. Some of the recent metro constructions have shown cracks within months of opening.
M
Meera D.
This is going to be so convenient for my daily commute! Though I wish they'd hurry up with the completion - 59% done after so many years feels slow 😅
S
Sanjay R.
The integration with other metro lines is what excites me most. Finally a proper metro network instead of isolated lines!
N
Neha V.
As someone who lives near the airport, I just hope the construction doesn't cause too much disruption. The noise and dust have been challenging for residents.

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Tags:
Mumbai Metro Devendra Fadnavis Infrastructure Development MMRDA Metro Line 7A Airport Connectivity
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