The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of Metro Line 4 by installing a 58-metre-long steel span over the busy Pantnagar-Ghatkopar bus stand in Ghatkopar East. This critical engineering feat marks substantial progress on the 32.3-kilometre corridor connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavli, which is currently 84.5 per cent complete.
The new elevated span is expected to enhance east-west connectivity in Mumbai, easing traffic woes and fostering sustainable urban mobility. The 450-tonne, 3.1-metre-high steel girder was fabricated from five robust steel beams and installed meticulously over two nights to minimise disruption to the bustling city traffic below. The operation was undertaken despite adverse weather conditions, dense traffic on the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road, and restricted space due to the adjacent Somaiya nullah. The MMRDA employed heavy machinery including 700-tonne and 500-tonne cranes, with backup equipment ready to ensure seamless execution.
Over 100 workers, engineers, and safety personnel collaborated closely with more than 50 traffic wardens to ensure both the safety of commuters and smooth traffic flow during the installation. Officials confirmed that the work schedule was strategically planned during night hours to reduce inconvenience and uphold rigorous safety standards. This newly installed span will carry elevated metro tracks over the Pantnagar bus station, forming a vital segment of the viaduct that links key points along the Line 4 corridor. With this engineering hurdle overcome, the project is poised to integrate efficiently with Mumbai’s broader metro network, promising enhanced multimodal connectivity for millions of daily commuters.
While the installation is among the last major construction activities in this section, subsequent phases including track laying, systems installation, and station interiors are underway. The project has faced delays attributed primarily to land acquisition challenges and pandemic-related disruptions, but officials remain optimistic about timely completion. The MMRDA highlighted the complexities involved in executing this task amid active public transport operations and heavy road traffic. The precise coordination between teams, equipment, and traffic management was essential to successfully navigate the tight construction site and maintain uninterrupted commuter movement.
Once operational, Metro Line 4 is expected to provide much-needed relief by improving the city’s east-west transit corridor, thereby promoting eco-friendly urban travel and reducing road congestion. This infrastructure advancement aligns with Mumbai’s vision for sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable transport solutions that enhance quality of life while mitigating environmental impact. As Mumbai’s metro network expands, the completion of Line 4’s critical structures like the Ghatkopar steel span marks a pivotal step towards achieving a comprehensive, integrated transit system. The MMRDA continues to prioritise minimizing disruption during construction while advancing towards the city’s long-term sustainable mobility goals.
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