Thane’s urban transport network, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), successfully conducted the technical inspection and trial run on Metro Line-4 and 4A, the city’s first metro project.
The trial run was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and attended by Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde, along with key dignitaries, including Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MP Naresh Mhaske, MLC Niranjan Davkhare, and MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee.
The trial covered a 4.4-km priority section between Gaimukh and Vijay Garden, passing through four stations: Gaimukh, Govaniwada, Kasarvadavali, and Vijay Garden. The inspection reviewed key systems such as the viaduct, tracks, and overhead equipment (OHE). MMRDA also tested system integration, software configuration, and collected data for load calculations.
Passenger safety remains the top priority. The corridor will only be opened to the public after it receives Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) certification and approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
Once completed, Metro Lines-4 and 4A will form part of a 58-kilometre elevated corridor, set to become the longest elevated metro line in India. The total length of the two lines is 35.20 km and they will cover 32 stations with a projected daily ridership of 13.43 lakh by 2031. The project, with a cost of Rs 15,498 crore, will be implemented in three phases, with the first 10.5 km expected to be operational by April 2026, and four stations ready by December this year.
The eight-coach trains running on this line will be equipped with modern technology, including automatic fire detection, obstacle detection devices, emergency communication systems, regenerative braking (saving up to 30 per cent energy), and real-time passenger information systems. MMRDA also highlighted the integrated Mogharpada depot, which will serve Lines-4, 4A, 10, and 11, improving operational efficiency.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “This is a historic moment for Thane. The city is getting its own metro for the first time, and it will serve over 1.34 million passengers daily once fully operational. The project will reduce travel time by up to 75 per cent, decongest roads, and open up new economic opportunities.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, echoing his sentiment, stated, “The first train in India ran from Mumbai to Thane in 1853. Today, nearly 172 years later, Thane sees its first metro run. This is a golden chapter in the city’s history, and the metro will reshape connectivity from Mira Road to Wadala, with future links to Kalyan, Bhiwandi, and beyond.”
MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee emphasised the broader impact of the project. “This isn’t just a transport solution, it’s a new era for Thane. Metro Line 4/4A represents the vision of ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ and will improve east-west connectivity while enhancing the quality of urban life,” he said.
Once operational, the corridor will include key interchange stations such as Gaimukh (Line-10), Kapurbawdi (Line-5), and Siddharth Colony (Line-2B). Unique engineering spans include a 107-metre steel truss at Amar Mahal Junction and a 64-metre deck over the bullet train corridor.
With all technical and safety systems progressing on schedule, Thane is poised to enter a new phase in public transport, connecting communities, easing commutes, and driving regional development.
