The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a major milestone in its plan to connect Mumbai International Airport (Terminal 2) to the metro network. On Thursday, the excavation of a 1.64-kilometer underground tunnel between Andheri East and the airport was completed. This marks the completion of MMRDA’s first underground tunnel in Mumbai’s metro network.
Tunnel Details: 6.35m Diameter, 1.641 Km Long
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present at the site to witness the tunnel breakthrough, aimed at making air travel more accessible. The tunnel is part of the 3.4-km-long Metro-7A corridor, which will link the Western Express Highway to Terminal 2 of Mumbai International Airport. The corridor includes a 0.94-km elevated section and a 2.503-km underground stretch.
Out of the 2.503 km underground portion, 1.63 km consists of two tunnels being excavated using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). The excavation of one tunnel was completed on Thursday, while the second is expected to be finished by next month. The tunnel boring began on September 1, 2023, from a depth of 30 meters below the ground.
Metro-7A: Shortest but Significant
Metro-7A is the shortest of the 13 metro lines planned in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). To ensure seamless connectivity, its stations will be built parallel to those of Metro Line 3.
Currently, commuters disembark at Metro-1’s Airport Road station and travel by road to the international terminal—a journey that takes around 30 minutes. With Metro-7A, this commute will shrink to just 5–6 minutes.
Overcoming Challenges
The tunnel breakthrough overcame significant geological hurdles, including crossing major sewage and water lines, as well as steep gradients. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the new connection will eventually offer smooth metro travel from Colaba to Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayandar.
Enhanced Connectivity Across MMR
Once operational, Metro-7A will connect the international airport to Mira-Bhayandar (via Metro Line 9) and Vasai-Virar areas to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (via Metro Lines 2A and 7). It will also serve as a crucial link to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Notably, 59% of the Metro-7A project has been completed.
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