Thane Metro 4A Route Delayed, Costs Increase by Rs 63 Crore: What’s Next?
Kasarwadavli-Gaimukh Metro 4A route in Thane, part of Mumbai’s expanding metro network, has faced a significant delay, pushing its completion to April 2025—over a year later than the originally scheduled March 2024. This delay has resulted in an increase of Rs 63 crore in the overall project costs, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The revelation came in response to an RTI (Right to Information) query filed by Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgali, who has raised concerns about the prolonged timeline and the impact on commuters.
Thane Metro 4A Route Delayed, Project Costs Increase by Rs 63 Crore. The Metro 4A route, which forms a critical part of the larger 56 km Metro corridor connecting South Mumbai to the suburbs, has experienced delays despite the initial project approval in 2019. Work orders were issued for the 2.7 km stretch in September 2019, with an anticipated completion by March 2024. However, multiple challenges have caused a shift in timelines, now expecting completion in April 2025. In response to the growing frustrations surrounding the delays, the MMRDA confirmed that various factors have contributed to the postponement, though they did not disclose the specifics in detail. In addition, the contractor involved in the project has been penalised with a fine of Rs 22 lakh for failing to meet deadlines. However, as the region continues to experience significant traffic congestion along the Ghodbunder Road due to ongoing construction, concerns from commuters are mounting. Activist Anil Galgali has expressed frustration, especially regarding the inconvenience caused by traffic snarls that affect daily commuters, urging authorities to speed up the process.
Originally approved with a budget of Rs 440 crore, the total cost of the Kasarwadavli-Gaimukh Metro 4A route has now increased by Rs 63 crore, mainly due to the delay in construction and additional project management expenses. This surge in costs is likely to add to the concerns of taxpayers, especially in a time when several infrastructure projects in the city are facing cost overruns. For commuters who depend on the development of the metro line, the delay is a source of mounting frustration. The construction work has already caused massive traffic jams along Ghodbunder Road, one of Thane’s busiest thoroughfares, leading to significant inconvenience.
The Kasarwadavli-Gaimukh Metro 4A route is part of a wider vision to improve connectivity between South Mumbai and its northern suburbs. Once completed, it will link to the larger 56 km Metro corridor, which includes Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarwadavli) and Line 4A (Gaimukh extension), ultimately connecting to Shivaji Chowk in Mira Road (Line 10). The metro project is expected to ease the chronic congestion on the roads and improve overall transport infrastructure, benefiting millions of commuters. Officials are working to resolve the issues contributing to the delay. Sources indicate that the MMRDA is exploring options to expedite construction, including revisiting the work processes and addressing contractor-related issues. Additionally, officials are considering potential adjustments to the construction schedule to minimise further disruption. The aim is to ensure that work progresses swiftly while maintaining safety and quality standards.
In the meantime, the MMRDA has assured the public that the extended timeline will ultimately lead to improved infrastructure, alleviating the traffic woes in the long run. However, for now, the priority remains managing the ongoing disruptions and mitigating the impacts on daily commuters. As the city eagerly waits for the Metro to be completed, it’s clear that the final outcome will greatly improve connectivity, but officials must ensure timely and efficient execution to fulfil these promises.