A planning error on Mumbai’s Metro Line 7A could lead to the demolition and reconstruction of nearly 1 km of elevated viaduct in Vile Parle East, after officials found that the overhead electric equipment exceeds the height clearance permitted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in the airport funnel zone. Want to know more about it? Read on.
Why Has Mumbai Metro Line 7A Work Stalled?
According to reports by the Indian Express, the discrepancy, estimated at around 2.5 metres, has halted work on the stretch even though most of the civil construction has already been completed. If engineers are unable to find a technical solution, work estimated at around ₹250 crore may have to be redone. The development could further delay the 3.4-km Metro Line 7A, which will connect Andheri East with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The corridor was originally scheduled to open in 2021 and has already missed several deadlines. With the latest setback, its opening now appears unlikely in the 2026-27 financial year.
According to MMRDA officials, the issue relates to the height of the overhead equipment (OHE) needed to power the metro. While the AAI had issued no-objection certificates for the project when permissions were obtained in 2022, the additional height required for the OHE was reportedly not incorporated into the original design.
Construction subsequently progressed on the elevated section in Vile Parle East, including the Airport Colony station. The height discrepancy was identified in 2025, following which work was stopped and revised permissions were sought from the AAI. An MMRDA official said efforts were underway to find a solution involving the project consultant, Systra, and the AAI. However, if no technical solution is approved, the viaduct may have to be reconstructed.
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The civil consultancy for the project is being handled by a consortium of Systra, CEG and SMCIPL. MMRDA said Systra has maintained that it was not responsible for the error, while the AAI has so far not approved the additional height needed for the OHE.
Metro Line 7A To Connect Andheri With Mumbai Airport
The setback comes after substantial construction had already been completed. MMRDA data showed that by February 2026, the elevated viaduct was fully complete, while around 95% of the elevated ramp had been constructed. Work on the Airport Colony station was also substantially complete.
Metro Line 7A is planned as a 3.4-km extension of Metro Line 7, connecting Andheri East with the airport. It will also provide an interchange with the underground Metro Line 3 at the airport, creating a direct metro link for commuters from Mumbai’s northern suburbs towards South Mumbai.
The line will comprise approximately 2.5 km of underground alignment and 940 metres of elevated alignment, including the Airport Colony station, viaduct and ramp.
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A questionnaire sent to the MMRDA on August 19 seeking a response to the issue had not received a reply.
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FAQs
What is the current status of Mumbai Metro Line-7A?
Mumbai Metro Line 7A is currently under construction and is targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
Which stations are located on the Mumbai Metro 7A line?
Mumbai Metro Line 7A (an extension of the Red Line) features two stations connecting Gundavali (Andheri East) to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA) Terminal 2.
Has the Mira-Bhayandar metro started?
Yes, the first phase of the Mira-Bhayandar metro (Mumbai Metro Line 9) started commercial operations on April 7, 2026.