Mumbai: In a major development for Mumbai’s expanding metro infrastructure, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named 'Disha' achieved a major breakthrough on Thursday by completing a vital segment of the underground tunnel for Metro Line 7A.
This accomplishment marks the completion of a 1.647-kilometer tunnel stretching from Andheri (East) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The event not only displays progress in the city's metro network but also highlights the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) successful foray into underground tunneling for the metro system, a first in its history.
Visuals of the machine breaking through the tunnel walls went viral online, reflecting the excitement surrounding the project. The milestone was celebrated in the presence of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, and MMRDA’s Metropolitan Commissioner, Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, among other dignitaries. Dr. Mukherjee praised the team’s efforts, calling the breakthrough a remarkable achievement for the city’s metro development.
Details On Key Tunnel
With a final diameter of 6.35 meters, the tunnel stands as a testament to engineering excellence, carving its path beneath one of the city’s most densely developed areas. It forms part of the 3.4-kilometer Metro Line 7A project, which includes a combination of elevated and underground segments.
The route comprises two stations: an elevated one at Airport Colony and an underground one at CSMIA. TBM 'Disha', which began its operation on September 1, 2023, successfully emerged from beneath the earth after navigating through complex urban terrain and challenging engineering conditions.
The project faced numerous engineering challenges. The tunnel had to pass beneath the existing Metro Line 3, and the team successfully managed to divert major utility lines. In addition, the tunnel's depth ranged from just 1.2 meters to 25 meters below ground level, which required meticulous planning and execution to ensure safety, particularly while boring below the Sahar Elevated Road.
Metro 7A |
About Metro 7A
Metro Line 7A, spanning 3.4 kilometers, serves as an extension of the already operational Dahisar East–Andheri East corridor (Line 7) and features a 2.5-kilometer underground segment. Upon completion, it will provide direct connectivity to Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) while also enabling smooth interchanges with Metro Lines 1, 6, and 9, majorly enhancing the city's transit network and commuter convenience.
