MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Mumbai’s transportation landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation with the commencement of tunnelling work for Metro Line 7A (ML7A). This milestone, announced by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), signifies a momentous step towards upgrading the city’s connectivity and reducing congestion.
Tunneling Operations Underway
On September 1, 2023, the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named T62, embarked on its journey, marking the beginning of the tunnelling phase for ML7A. The initial phase is expected to conclude within a month, followed by the final drive, with the entire tunnelling project slated for completion by May 2024. This extensive effort will encompass depths ranging from 28 meters to 12 meters below ground level, ensuring seamless transitions between the underground and elevated portions of the Metro system. Notably, the MMRDA accomplished the successful relocation of an underground sewer line that intersected with the tunnel alignment of ML7A using the Micro tunnelling method, with the commissioning date set for January 30, 2023.
ML7A: Enhancing Mumbai’s Connectivity
Metro Line 7A, spanning a total length of 3.422 kilometers and featuring a twin tunnel stretch extending 2.49 kilometers, promises to revolutionize transportation in Mumbai. This new line links Andheri (East) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), effectively expanding the operational Red Line ML7 (Andheri (East) to Dahisar (East)). The alignment of Metro Line 7A runs partially above ground and parallel to WEH & Sahar elevated road, with an elevated Airport Colony Metro Station along AAI colony. This strategic alignment not only offers direct access to CSMIA but also connects Mira Bhayandar (ML9) and Western suburbs (ML2A and ML7). Passengers will enjoy easy transfers between Metro Line 3 (ML3) and the International Airport at the CSMIA underground station of ML3, leading to a substantial reduction in airport travel times by 30-60 minutes.
Looking ahead, Metro Line 7A will play a pivotal role in connecting to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport via the planned ML8, further bolstering the city’s transportation network. The CSMIA underground station for Metro Line 7A (ML7A) and Metro Line 3 (ML3) run parallel to each other and are linked at the concourse level, ensuring smooth connections for both paid and unpaid areas.
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, emphasized that the Metro Line 7A project holds the promise of substantial economic and environmental benefits for Mumbai. These advantages include reduced traffic congestion, enhanced transportation efficiency, increased employment opportunities, decreased fuel consumption, improved air quality, and a noteworthy reduction in CO2 emissions. Metro Line 7A represents MMRDA’s commitment to crafting a more interconnected, efficient, and sustainable Mumbai, marking a significant stride towards a brighter and more accessible future for the city.
