Thane: After missing multiple deadlines since January, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is now targeting a partial launch of Metro lines 4 and 4A between Gaimukh and Cadbury Junction in Thane by November 2026, officials said.
Delays Due to Mulund Crash and Monsoon
Sources revealed that a parapet slab collapse in Mulund in February, which killed one person, caused crucial ancillary works required before safety trials to be delayed by two months. The monsoon season is now likely to further stall progress, pushing the deadline to late 2026, officials added.
Work Progress and Temporary Arrangements
The work on the stretch is nearly 90% complete. Although the Mogharpada car shed may not be operational by then, MMRDA claims to have made temporary arrangements for rake maintenance along the corridor.
The development comes nearly nine months after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde flagged off a much-publicized trial run on Ghodbunder Road. The Gaimukh-Vijay Garden stretch, covering Metro 4A and part of Line 4, was expected to open by January 2026, with an extension to Cadbury Junction by March.
Official Statement
“We were targeting partial operations by March 2026, but that could not be achieved. Work was impacted after the Mulund incident, and several activities had to be rescheduled. We are now looking at a November 2026 deadline to operate the services on the route after completing mandatory safety checks,” an MMRDA official said.
Rakes Idle, Commuters Frustrated
Meanwhile, the rakes brought for the trial run remain parked on the elevated corridor above Ghodbunder highway, gathering dust and triggering frustration among lakhs of commuters who continue to endure worsening traffic congestion on the stretch.
“The Metro line 4 rakes stand idle between Kasarvadavli and Owale, while we continue to face worsening congestion on the roads. Starting services even on the small stretch could have helped us travel in peace between Kasarvadavli and Cadbury junction. At present, it takes 45 minutes or more at times during peak hours,” complained a daily commuter.
Runwal Nagar resident Shivaji Desai said he has spotted the empty rakes moving along the tracks frequently but noted there was no clarity when the services would start and help reduce congestion on roads.
