Mumbai Metro link from WEH to airport may be underground

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken development of the 170-km Metro network in the region

The Metro corridor from Western Express Highway to the city airport, which will be built to connect Dahisar-Andheri Metro-7 and Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3, may be underground. The link, which will be an extension to Metro-7, is aimed at providing the connectivity between the southern and northern parts of the city via the airport.

The arrangement will help commuters from any part of Mumbai, travelling on any other Metro line, reach the airport smoothly. (HT File)

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken development of the 170-km Metro network in the region.

While the state government is keen on constructing elevated corridors for all new Metro projects, the link between Metro-3 and Metro-7 may be underground for a variety of reasons. First, the elevated corridor is not possible because of lack of space. Moreover, it has to be connected with Metro-3, which is fully underground.

“We have started carrying out studies to find what kind of corridor should be constructed. The tunnel corridor seems to be the most viable option,” said a senior MMRDA official.

The underground link will be about 3km in length, which might connect all three underground stations of Metro-3 to the airport. This arrangement will help commuters from any part of Mumbai, travelling on any other Metro line, reach the airport smoothly.

A few months ago, the MMRDA took the decision to integrate Metro-7 with Dahisar-Bandra-Mankhurd Metro-2, which will help in connecting areas flanked by the highway with each other.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is funding Metro-3, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which has already decided to fund Metro 2A and Metro 7, has shown interest in providing financial assistance to Metro-2B and Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavali Metro-4.