Anticipate enhanced connectivity to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the impending Metro developments, specifically Line 7A (from Gundavali Metro station to CSMI airport) and the subterranean Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ).
This month marked the commencement of tunneling work for the 3.4-kilometer Mumbai Metro Line 7A, an extension of the red line or Metro 7 that links Dahisar east to Gundavali, thus bridging the gap between Andheri East and the airport.
Both Metro Line 7A, an extension of the operational Metro Line 7 (Andheri East to Dahisar E), and the ongoing Metro Line 9 will establish a direct connection from Mira Bhayander to the airport, significantly curtailing travel time from over two hours by road to just one hour.
The underground Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) will further simplify airport access for commuters traveling from Colaba to the CSMIA T2 station.
These forthcoming Metro lines will deliver passengers directly to the airport terminal area, rendering auto-rickshaws or taxis unnecessary, a departure from the existing airport station on Metro Line One (Ghatkopar to Versova via Andheri).
In addition to direct connections, the upcoming Metro Line 1, Line 6, 2A, and 2B will feature interchange stations, enhancing intra-city and suburban travel options.
As per an official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Metro Line 7A is slated to commence operations by December 2025. Tunneling work has already commenced, with a partially elevated alignment running parallel to the Western Express Highway and Sahar elevated road. MMRDA is overseeing the implementation of Metro Line 7A.
The CSMIA T2 station on Metro Line 3 is currently 91 percent complete and forms part of Phase 1 (Aarey to BKC) alignment for the underground Metro Line 3, with Phase 1 expected to be operational by December this year or early next year. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRC) is responsible for executing underground Metro Line 3.
MMRDA commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee IAS emphasized the critical role Metro Line 7A will play in linking the international airport to the MMR region, creating a seamless network of Metro lines, including 7, 2A, 2B, 9, as well as underground Line 3, Line 4, and Metro 10. This convenient connectivity will offer travelers heading to the airport a stress-free journey with easy access to the T2 terminal.
According to an MMRC spokesperson, “Metro Line 3 is anticipated to be Mumbai’s busiest single line, connecting multiple major hotspots from Colaba to SEEPZ. The airport stations of MML-3 are pivotal stations on this corridor as they will connect T1 & T2.”
