Mumbai’s Metro Line 7A achieved a landmark milestone on July 14, 2025, with the final breakthrough of its 1.65 km upline tunnel, linking Andheri (East) to the airport. This achievement marks 61 percent completion of the overall 3.4 km alignment and signals strong progress toward enhanced connectivity for commuters. The tunnel, excavated by the TBM “Dhruv” since November 2023, spans 5.6 metres in diameter and incorporates 1,178 segments, each 1.4 metres long, designed for long-term stability.
MMRDA officials emphasise the complexity of this feat—overcoming the crossing of Metro Line 3, navigating beneath the Sahar Elevated Road ramp, and maneuvering past major sewer and water mains. Notably, the TBM “Disha” had already pierced through the downline tunnel in April, leaving Line 7A poised for final commissioning. The partially elevated, partially subterranean corridor will add two critical stations—Airport Colony (elevated) and the underground station adjacent to Terminal T2. With tunnel entry positioned just before the Vehicular Underpass at Sahar Elevated Road, this metro stretch integrates seamlessly with major transport arteries. Once completed, Line 7A will enhance operational efficiency along the existing Red Line (Andheri (East) to Dahisar (East)), connecting passengers directly to the international airport.
A crucial enabler for this project has been the land transfer coordination by the Airport Authority of India in October 2021, enabling resettlement of around 200 households in Bamanvada, Valmikinagar and Vile Parle—vital to minimising construction delays. In addition, Mumbai civic agencies collaborated to manage utility diversions, including rerouting an 1,800 mm sewer line via micro-tunnelling in January 2023, as well as other gas pipelines, stormwater drains and telecom conduits. These pre-emptive actions have allowed TBM operations to continue unimpeded. Metro Line 7A forms part of the broader 337 km metro master plan across Greater Mumbai. Already operational lines include Metro 1, 2A and 7, while Phase 3’s Metro 3 (Worli–Aarey) has come under MMRC. Work is advancing swiftly on lines 2B, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 9 and 12, with expectations of partial service openings later this year or early next, according to MMRDA projections.
Urban transport experts say the completion of Line 7A will alleviate pressure on Mumbai’s western corridors, offering a low-carbon, equitable transit option for airport-bound travellers and workers. “Once operational, this tunnel breakthrough will significantly reduce road congestion on Sahar and Western Express Highways,” noted a transport analyst. One official highlighted that the seamless airport link will support gender‑neutral public transport access, ensuring safer trips for women and vulnerable commuters during early and late hours. However, challenges remain. The underground sections require rigorous safety compliance, including ventilation, fire suppression and evacuation protocols. Integration with airport operations also necessitates real-time signalling coordination and crowd management systems.
Nevertheless, with the tunnel breakthrough achieved, Metro Line 7A is firmly on track. As the focus shifts to station finishing, systems testing and regulatory clearances, Mumbaikars can anticipate a modern, eco‑friendly transit link that promises to transform airport connectivity and support sustainable metro growth in the city.
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