New metro lines to enhance connectivity to Mumbai Airport

Connectivity to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, is set to improve significantly with the upcoming metro projects, including  underground Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) and Metro Line 7A (Gundavali Metro station to CSMI airport). Metro Line 7A and the under-construction Metro Line 9 will provide a direct link from Mira Bhayander to the airport, reducing the travel time to the airport from over two hours by road to just one hour. 

Earlier in September 2023, tunneling work began on the 3.4-kilometre Mumbai Metro Line 7A — an extension of the red line or Metro 7 that connects Dahisar east to Gundavali. The Metro Line 7A will connect Andheri East to the airport, which will cost around Rs 812 crore. The underground Metro Line 3 will also offer convenient access for commuters from Colaba to reach the airport station, named CSMIA T2.

Both the upcoming metro lines will take passengers directly to the airport terminal area, eliminating the need of autos or cabs, unlike the existing airport station on Metro Line 1 (Ghatkopar to Versova via Andheri). In addition to direct connectivity, the upcoming Metro Line 1, Line 6, 2A and 2B will also have interchange stations, further enhancing travel within the city and suburbs.

According to media reports, a Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) official disclosed that Metro Line 7A is scheduled to be operational by December 2025. The tunneling work for this line has already begun, with a partial elevated alignment running parallel to the Western Express Highway and Sahar elevated road. MMRDA is the project implementing authority for Metro Line 7A.

The Metro Line 3 CSMIA T2 station is 91% complete and is part of Phase 1 (Aarey to BKC) alignment of underground Metro Line 3, which is expected to be ready by December 2023 or early next year. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is the project implementing authority of underground Metro Line 3. The MMRC has predicted that Mumbai’s Metro Line 3 will be the city’s busiest single line.