By Swati
Mumbai 31 August
Mumbai Metro Line 7A has run into a major setback after a design and planning error created a height-clearance problem near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Nearly 1 kilometre of an elevated viaduct in Vile Parle East may have to be demolished and rebuilt if a technical solution or relaxation is not granted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The issue concerns the overhead electrification (OHE) equipment required to operate the metro. The viaduct and OHE are reportedly around 2.5 metres above the permissible aviation safety clearance in the airport funnel zone. The additional height required for the OHE was not adequately incorporated during the design and planning stage. The affected section, which includes the Airport Colony station and its elevated ramp, is already substantially complete. The height discrepancy was detected in 2025, following which work on the affected portion was stopped and MMRDA approached AAI seeking relaxation of the height norms. If AAI does not approve the requested relaxation and no viable engineering solution is found, MMRDA could be forced to dismantle and reconstruct the affected stretch. The rework is estimated to put around ₹250 crore—and according to some reports, more than ₹260 crore—of project expenditure at risk. Lowering the existing structure is also not considered straightforward because it could affect the gradient required for safe metro operations. MMRDA officials are awaiting the aviation authority’s final technical assessment before deciding the next course of action.
