The first phase of Metro Line 4 and 4A in Thane, Maharashtra, had its trial run on Monday.
Technical inspections and trial runs of four stations on the Ghodbunder line were also completed the same day.
This has raised excitement among Thane residents and commuters about the metro becoming operational soon.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has shared details about the phased completion of the project.
Metro Project to Be Completed in 3 Phases
The Wadala-Ghatkopar-Mulund-Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh Metro Line 4 and 4A project spans 35.20 kilometers and will have 32 elevated stations.
The total project cost is around ₹15,498 crore, and it is estimated that 13.43 lakh passengers will use it daily by 2031.
The project will be completed in three major phases:
Phase 1:
Covers a 10.5 km stretch from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction
Total of 10 stations, with 4 operational by December 2025 and the remaining 6 by April 2026
Phase 2:
Covers an 11 km section from Cadbury Junction to Gandhi Nagar
11 stations expected to be operational by October 2026
Phase 3:
Covers the final 12 km stretch from Gandhi Nagar to Vada
Expected completion by October 2027
Once all four metro lines are finished, India will have its longest elevated metro route (58 km), serving an estimated 2.162 million passengers daily.
It will cut travel time by 50–75%, provide safe and modern travel, and reduce traffic congestion in the region.
Officials Speak About the Project
During the trial run, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the metro will significantly reduce travel time in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Along with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, he rode the metro between Gaimukh Junction and Vijay Garden (4 km).
Fadnavis stated, “Our aim is to complete this section by the end of next year.
Once all work is done, it will be the largest metro network in the country.”
The project has cost approximately ₹16,000 crore, and a depot is being built on 45 acres in Mogharpada to serve Metro lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11.
The metro is expected to benefit 2.2 million people daily.
Fadnavis criticized the previous government for delays and cost overruns.
Deputy CM Shinde, also MMRDA Chairman, added that Thane was neglected in the past despite its growing population and need for connectivity.
Now, with testing complete, the MMRDA will proceed with the Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) certification, followed by approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
