07 November,2023 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
A second tunnel boring machine, T-60, has been deployed to the construction site of the Metro line 7A
The Mumbaikar's longing for seamless Metro connectivity to the international airport has come a step closer to becoming reality owing to the deployment of a second tunnel boring machine (TBM) to the Metro line 7A also known as Red Line. The TBM, which goes by the name of T-60 has started operation on November 4. Metro line 7A, connecting Andheri to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), is an extension arm of line 7 which connects Andheri to Bhayander. The entire tunnelling project is anticipated to be finished by 2024. This route once operational envisages reducing the commute time to the international airport by 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
On Sunday, MMRDA tweeted, "The second Tunnel Boring Machine, T-60, has started working on Metro Line 7A, which will connect Bhayander to the international airport. The initial drive of the TBM is estimated to be finished within a month and the final drive is expected to be completed by June 2024. This project demonstrates MMRDA's dedication to establishing a more interconnected, effective and eco-friendly MMR."
Spanning a total length of 3.422 km, with a twin tunnel stretch of 2.49 km, the Metro Line 7A project will help in having a transformative impact on Mumbai's transportation landscape. Besides the ML 7A, there will be one more Metro station at the international airport on the ML 3 connecting Colaba-Bandra-Seepz. These two underground Metro stations at the international airport will give citizens access at the concourse level. None of the existing Metro lines boasts of seamless connectivity to the international airport. Looking ahead, Metro Line 7A will also play a critical role in connecting to the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport through the planned Metro Line 8, further helping to enhance the city's connectivity.
June 2024
Estimated completion of the tunnelling work
