Mumbai’s urban transit infrastructure is preparing for a major milestone with the arrival of the first trial train for Metro Lines 4 and 4A in Thane’s Anand Nagar. The train coaches were carefully positioned on the tracks using heavy-duty cranes, marking a crucial step towards the operational launch of the eastern suburban corridors. Experts highlight that these lines will significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, and enhance sustainable mobility in the region.
Trial runs are scheduled to begin by September, with Yellow Line rakes initially deployed as their technical specifications align with Line 4. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has awarded the contract for the actual rolling stock to a consortium of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Alstom. The first phase of testing will focus on a nearly 10-kilometre stretch between Cadbury and Gaimukh, covering ten stations including Majiwada, Kapurbawadi, Manpada, Tikuji Ni Wadi, and Vijay Garden. Officials emphasised that while the permanent depot at Mogharpada is still under construction, an interim inspection facility near Gaimukh terminal will enable safe and efficient trial operations. These trials are expected to provide critical insights into operational efficiency, safety protocols, and technical optimisation before full-scale commissioning.
Metro Line 4 spans 32.3 kilometres from Wadala to Kasarvadavli, with 30 elevated stations designed to integrate seamlessly with the Eastern Express Highway, Central Railway, Monorail, and upcoming Metro Lines 2B, 5, and 6. Experts project that the corridor will reduce travel time along this stretch by 50 to 75 per cent, dramatically improving commuting options for eastern suburbs. The extension, Metro Line 4A, adds 2.7 kilometres to reach Gaimukh, including two additional stations, enhancing last-mile connectivity deeper into Thane. Transport planners noted that once operational, Lines 4 and 4A will emerge as a backbone of eastern suburban mobility, providing a low-carbon, gender-neutral, and equitable alternative to road-based travel. By diverting commuters from private vehicles to high-capacity metro services, these corridors are expected to contribute to cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, and more sustainable urban growth.
Officials also highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of these lines. Improved connectivity is likely to catalyse development in under-served neighbourhoods, support equitable access to employment centres, and strengthen the city’s overall public transport ecosystem. The combination of elevated and strategically located stations ensures accessibility while optimising travel times across densely populated suburbs. With trial operations imminent, MMRDA officials confirmed that successful testing will pave the way for commissioning these metro corridors in a timely manner, overcoming previous delays caused by land acquisition and construction challenges. The initiative is positioned as a vital step in making Mumbai’s transport network more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable.
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