MMRDA commences trial test run on Mumbai Metro Line 4

Thane, Maharashtra (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark moment for Mumbai’s urban transit development, the first trial run of Metro Line 4 was successfully conducted on a 10-kilometre stretch from Cadbury Junction to Kasarvadavali on Monday. The corridor is part of a transformative project aimed at easing congestion and improving east-west connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The test run was flagged off in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who also conducted an on-site technical inspection of the train coaches and reviewed the progress of the Phase-1 priority section of Metro Line 4 and its extension, Metro Line 4A.

“This 35-km-long corridor, with an estimated cost of ₹16,000 crore, will revolutionise the public transport landscape by linking Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs with Thane,” said CM Devendra Fadnavis. “Once operational, it will reduce travel time by up to 50% and benefit more than 21 lakh commuters daily.”

Fadnavis lauded Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s intervention in resolving land acquisition issues at Mogharpada, a critical site for the metro depot. “The depot was a major hurdle, but through the personal efforts of Shindeji, we were able to resolve it. I also appreciate the contribution of Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik in driving this project forward,” the Chief Minister added.

The Metro Line 4 and 4A corridor, once completed, will span over 58 kilometres, making it one of India’s longest metro lines. Designed to operate eight-coach trains, the corridor aims to provide a seamless, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to Mumbai’s heavily burdened road and rail systems.

“The successful trial run is not just a technical achievement—it signals a new era of sustainable mass transit in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, offering an industry perspective. “Projects like Metro Line 4 are essential for decongesting our cities and aligning with India’s broader goals of smart, connected urban development.”

According to MMRDA officials, the corridor will serve critical commuting needs of students, professionals, and daily passengers, helping to drastically cut travel times between key zones like Thane, Mulund, Ghatkopar, and Wadala. It is also expected to significantly reduce vehicular load on Eastern Express Highway and LBS Road.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “Metro Line 4 is a game-changer. It complements the suburban railway and will provide Mumbai-Thane with the much-needed transit backbone it has long deserved.”

With the successful completion of the first trial, authorities are now eyeing to operationalize the first phase by December 2025, bringing commuters one step closer to a faster and more efficient public transport system.