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After nearly two years of work, Metro 7A’s tunnel boring machine has completed a 1.6-km underground link between Andheri East and Mumbai airport. A tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed on Mumbai Metro Line 7A has completed its underground journey between Andheri East and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), achieving a major breakthrough on April 17.
The 1.6-kilometre tunnel, part of the Metro 7A extension project, is the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) first underground venture for a metro corridor in the city. Constructed with a final diameter of 6.
4 metres, the tunnel represents a major step in improving rapid transit connectivity across Mumbai. The TBM, which was launched in September 2023, operated from a depth of 30 metres. Its route posed considerable engineering challenges, passing beneath the Sahar elevated road, the Metro 3 line, and various underground utilities.
At some stretches, clearances narrowed to just 1.5 metres. Using advanced, precision-guided tunnelling methods, the machine managed to safely navigate through congested urban areas, including under active traffic and critical infrastructure, stated the report.
While reviewing the work at the Vile Parle site, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was quoted as saying by Times Of India, “The CSMT to airport connection has now become a reality. This is truly an engineering marvel, where the elevated and underground Metro lines converge." Echoing a similar sentiment, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said “It is a proud moment as this engineering marvel connects key areas of the city, including CSMT to the airport corridor, in an efficient and seamless manner.
" As per MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, linking the metro network to the international airport is a vital necessity for Mumbai’s growth. “While this network is being interconnected internally, connecting it to the international airport is a necessity for the city," he said. Metro Line 7A spans 3.
4 kilometres, of which 2.5 kilometres will run underground. It is an extension of the existing Line 7, currently operational from Dahisar East to Gundavli.
Once complete, Line 7A will provide a direct link to the CSMIA, easing airport access for passengers travelling from both northern suburbs such as Mira-Bhayandar and southern regions like Colaba. The extended route will feature two stations — an elevated one at Airport Colony and an underground terminal at the airport. Upon completion, the new metro line is expected to cut commute times by as much as 60 minutes for thousands of daily travellers.
The project has so far achieved over 59% of its construction milestones. According to India Today, the corridor is scheduled to become operational by December 2026..
