The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) now aims to launch partial operations of Metro Lines 4 and 4A between Gaimukh and Cadbury Junction in Thane by November 2026, according to officials. This comes after missing several deadlines since January of this year.
Delays Caused by Mulund Incident and Monsoon
Sources revealed that the fatal parapet slab collapse in Mulund in February, which killed one person, delayed crucial ancillary works required before safety trials by two months. The ongoing monsoon season is expected to further hamper progress, pushing the deadline to late 2026.
Although construction on the stretch is nearly 90% complete, the Mogharpada car shed may not be operational by then. However, MMRDA claims to have made temporary arrangements for rake maintenance along the corridor.
Background of the Project
The development comes nearly nine months after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister 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 initially expected to open by January 2026, with the extension to Cadbury Junction by March 2026.
An MMRDA official stated, "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 services on the route after completing mandatory safety checks."
Public Frustration Over Idle Rakes
Meanwhile, the rakes brought in for the trial run remain parked on the elevated corridor above Ghodbunder highway, gathering dust. This has triggered frustration among lakhs of commuters who continue to endure worsening traffic congestion on the stretch.
A daily commuter complained, "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."
Runwal Nagar resident Shivaji Desai said he has spotted the empty rakes moving along the tracks frequently but noted there was no clarity on when services would start and help reduce road congestion.
