Mumbai is set to see improved connectivity to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the upcoming Metro projects. These projects include Line 7A, from Gundavali Metro station to CSMI airport and the underground Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), The Indian Express reported.
Mumbai Metro Line 7A
The Mumbai Metro Line 7A is an extension of the red line or Metro 7 which connects Dahisar east to Gundavali. This project will cost around Rs 812 crore and connect Andheri East to the airport. An official of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said the Metro Line 7A is scheduled to be operational by December 2025.The tunneling work began at the 3.4-kilometre Line 7A started earlier this month. It has a partial elevated alignment running parallel to the Western Express Highway and Sahar elevated road.
Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ)
The underground Metro Line 3 will also be adding to the convenience of the commuters from Colaba to reach the airport station called CSMIA T2. The station is 91% complete and is part of Phase 1 (Aarey to BKC) alignment of underground Metro Line 3, while Phase 1 (Aarey to BKC) of Metro Line 3 is expected to be ready by December this year or early next year.
Both the lines will carry passengers directly to the airport terminal area, unlike the existing airport station which lies on Metro Line One. The upcoming Metro Line 1, Line 6, 2A, and 2B will also have interchange stations, further enhancing travel within the city and suburbs.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRC) is the project implementing authority of underground Metro Line 3. As per the MMRC, the Metro Line 3 is expected to be the busiest single line in Mumbai. It will connect major hotspots from Colaba to SEEPZ. “Airport stations of MML-3 are the most crucial stations of this corridor as it will connect T1 & T2,” it said.
The commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Sanjay Mukherjee IAS said the Metro Line 7A will be a “ reliable link, seamlessly connecting the western and eastern suburbs of Mumbai, along with South Mumbai, Mira Bhayander and Thane, through a comprehensive network of Metro lines, including 7, 2A, 2B, 9, as well as underground Line 3, Line 4, and Metro 10.” MMRDA is the project implementing authority for Metro Line 7A.