The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed the installation of a 540-metric tonne steel girder at Vikhroli’s Gandhinagar Junction, one of the most structurally complex sites along the Wadala–Kasarvadavali Metro Line 4.
The 30-metre-long girder was hoisted 24 metres above ground, enabling progress on a stretch that has long challenged planners due to its dense convergence of flyovers, arterial roads, and intersecting metro lines. The feat is not just technical in nature — it reflects the evolving character of Mumbai’s urban infrastructure, which is increasingly focused on sustainability, resilience, and equitable access. The Vikhroli junction lies at the intersection of the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road, and two metro lines — Metro Line 4 and Metro Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli). The dense mesh of overlapping structures, along with heavy vehicular traffic, rendered construction logistics unusually demanding.
Officials involved in the project confirmed that the entire steel bridge at the junction will span 62.7 metres. With the primary section now in place, two additional girders — measuring 17 metres on the Vikhroli side and 15 metres on the Mulund side — are approaching final installation. These segments are being constructed in staggered phases to maintain traffic continuity and ensure safety for both workers and commuters. The Vikhroli junction has long been identified as a congestion hotspot. Regular gridlocks on JVLR and LBS Road not only affect commuters but also hinder movement of construction equipment and personnel. Engineering teams under the MMRDA navigated these urban constraints through meticulous planning, night-time operations, and temporary traffic diversions executed in coordination with civic and traffic authorities.
According to senior officials, the erection of the main girder required precision timing and a high-capacity crane system, involving rigorous safety audits and simulations. The steel superstructure itself had to be preassembled off-site to minimise on-ground disruptions. The process reflects a growing reliance on modular construction techniques, seen as essential for rapid infrastructure delivery in dense metropolitan zones. The Metro Line 4 corridor is one of the most critical investments in Mumbai’s future-oriented public transport ecosystem. The 32.3-kilometre route — linking Wadala in South Central Mumbai to Kasarvadavali in Thane — is designed to serve nearly 10 lakh commuters daily. Once fully operational, it is expected to significantly reduce vehicular dependence on key arterial routes such as the Eastern Express Highway and LBS Road, directly contributing to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality.
The corridor will also integrate with other existing and upcoming metro lines, suburban railway networks, and bus systems, forming part of a broader push for multimodal connectivity. Metro Line 4’s alignment touches underserved neighbourhoods and industrial zones, unlocking access to affordable and clean transport for thousands of daily wage workers, students, and residents. With provisions for barrier-free stations and last-mile connectivity enhancements, the line is being developed in accordance with inclusive transit principles. MMRDA aims to operationalise the first phase of Metro Line 4 — from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction in Thane — by the end of 2025. The second phase, extending from Cadbury Junction to Gandhinagar, is expected to be ready by December 2026. While these timelines are subject to weather and procurement conditions, officials maintain that structural progress such as the Vikhroli girder lift will accelerate delivery momentum across the corridor.
The infrastructure push comes as part of Maharashtra’s broader urban transformation strategy, which includes decarbonising public transport, reducing congestion costs, and making cities more liveable. With Mumbai’s metro ridership steadily increasing post-pandemic, investments in mass rapid transit are not just about speed and convenience — they’re about building climate-resilient infrastructure and enabling a more balanced urban future. The success of the Vikhroli installation is also a study in institutional collaboration. Engineers, planners, traffic managers, and urban designers worked in tandem to ensure that the project advanced without significant public inconvenience. Such cross-functional coordination is being increasingly seen as vital in delivering urban infrastructure in a megacity where space, time, and public patience are limited resources.
The completion of this stage of Metro Line 4 sends a strong signal that Mumbai’s mobility ecosystem is shifting gears. From a car-centric planning legacy to an integrated, rail-first future, the emphasis is now on enabling accessible, clean, and low-emission urban commutes. For residents in Mumbai and Thane, it’s a glimpse into a more connected and sustainable tomorrow — one girder at a time.
