Maha: Successful Breakthrough of Metro Line 7A Tunnel
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 17, the 1.65-kilometre underground tunnel for Mumbai Metro Line 7A, linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Andheri East, was successfully completed. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis oversaw the event, marking a significant milestone in the development of Mumbai's metro network.
Key Takeaways
- Completion of 1.65-km underground tunnel on Metro Line 7A.
- Project overseen by MMRDA.
- 59% of the work on Metro Line 7A is finished.
- New line connects Mira-Bhayander and Vasai-Virar to the airport.
- Seamless integration with other metro lines planned.
Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) The completion of the 1.65-kilometre underground tunnel on Mumbai Metro Line 7A, stretching from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T2) to Andheri East, was achieved on Thursday, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The construction of the tunnel was undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The Chief Minister received comprehensive updates on the project from officials and initiated the breakthrough by pressing a button. Subsequently, he conducted an on-site inspection. This tunnel is situated on the downline of Metro Line 7A, connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport station and Airport Colony station.
This metro link represents a vital component of the expanding metro network in the Mumbai metropolitan area. The new line will establish connectivity between Mira-Bhayander and further to Vasai-Virar with the international airport. In the future, the Thane and Navi Mumbai International Airports will also be integrated into the metro system. Currently, 59 percent of the entire work on Metro Line 7A has been accomplished.
The MMRDA reports that Metro Line 7A spans 3.4 kilometres, with 0.94 km elevated and 2.5 km underground. The line will feature two stations: one elevated at Airport Colony and the other underground at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Of the total length, 0.57 km is elevated, while the twin tunnels measure 2.035 km.
The initial tunnel drive for the downline commenced on September 1, 2023. The 1.65-km tunnel required the installation of 1,180 pre-cast rings for lining, each specifically designed and segmented into six parts, featuring a tunnel diameter of 6.35 meters.
In September 2023, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was lowered to a depth of 30 meters.
Despite facing several engineering obstacles, including passing beneath Metro Line 3, the Sahar Elevated Road, and significant sewer and water pipelines, the breakthrough was successfully achieved. This new line will facilitate comfortable travel for passengers from Colaba to Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayander. It will also enable seamless connections with other metro lines in the city, including Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), which links to the underground airport station.
The combination of elevated and underground sections minimizes land usage in densely populated airport areas, leading to a smoother metro construction process.
