Metro Lines 4 And 4A: Trial Runs Set For September As First Train Arrives In Thane

Mumbai's metro expansion has gained momentum with the arrival of the first trial train for Metro Lines 4 and 4A. On Monday morning, coaches reached Anand Nagar in Thane, where they were carefully placed on the tracks using heavy-duty cranes.

Trial Phase to Begin Soon

According to FPJ trial operations are scheduled to commence by September. For the initial phase, Yellow Line rakes are being deployed, as their technical specifications match those required for Line 4. Meanwhile, the official rolling stock for Lines 4 and 4A - stretching along Wadala-Kasarvadavli and Thane-Gaimukh - has been contracted to a consortium of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Alstom, following an agreement signed in February.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has identified a nearly 10km stretch between Cadbury and Gaimukh for the first round of trials. This corridor will cover 10 stations - Cadbury, Majiwada, Kapurbawadi, Manpada, Tikuji Ni Wadi, Dongripada, Vijay Garden, Kasarvadavli, Gownipada, and Gaimukh - each expected to ease travel for thousands of daily commuters in Thane and Mumbai's eastern suburbs.

Though the permanent depot for these lines is still under construction at Mogharpada - land for which was acquired in June this year - MMRDA has arranged an interim facility near the Gaimukh terminal, equipped with inspection pits to support the upcoming tests.

About Metro Lines 4 & 4A

Metro Line 4 spans 32.3km from Wadala to Kasarvadvali, comprising 30 elevated stations. Designed to integrate with the Eastern Express Highway, Central Railway, Monorail, and future Metro Lines 2B, 5, and 6, the corridor is expected to cut travel time by 50-75%.

Its extension, Line 4A, adds 2.7km up to Gaimukh, along with two new stations, further strengthening Thane's connectivity. Officials emphasize that once trials are successfully completed, commissioning of the line will be expedited, addressing long-standing delays caused by land acquisition and construction challenges.

When fully operational, Metro Lines 4 and 4A are projected to become a vital backbone for eastern suburban transit, reshaping connectivity between Mumbai and Thane.