THANE: On Monday, the trial run for Phase I of Metro Lines 4 and 4A took place in Thane, Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted that this project will significantly decrease travel times across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Fadnavis, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, rode the Metro along a 4-km stretch from Gaimukh junction to Vijay Garden.
In a statement to reporters, Fadnavis noted, “We aim to complete this Metro route by the end of next year. While some work may extend into the subsequent year, this will ultimately constitute the largest Metro network in the country.”
A depot covering 45 acres at Mogarpada is also being established to support Metro routes 4, 4A, 10, and 11. Fadnavis stated that approximately 2.2 million people are expected to benefit daily from these services, resulting in travel time savings of 50% to 75%.
The project comes with an estimated investment of Rs 16,000 crore.
The 35.20-kilometer Metro Lines 4 and 4A will link Wadala, Ghatkopar, and Mulund in Mumbai with Kasarvadavali and Gaimukh in Thane.
Fadnavis attributed delays and cost escalations in the metro works to the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, stating, “The prior administration halted essential infrastructure projects like the Metro, leading to over two and a half years of delays and increased expenses. Once operational, this line will feature eight major interchanges for seamless connectivity throughout the region.”
Deputy CM Shinde, also the Chairman of MMRDA, criticized past administrations for neglecting Thane. “Under former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Thane received inadequate attention despite its growing population and connectivity needs. Our government faced numerous challenges, but thanks to our dedicated efforts, these projects are now progressing strongly,” he remarked.
Following the trial run, MMRDA will proceed to acquire Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) certification and seek approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
