A trial run for the first phase of Metro Lines 4 and 4A was conducted in Thane district on Monday, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighting its potential to significantly cut travel times across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Fadnavis experienced a 4 km ride from Gaimukh junction to Vijay Garden. The event marks a key milestone in enhancing urban connectivity in one of India's most populous regions.
Fadnavis told reporters that the government aims to complete the route by the end of 2026, though some work might extend into 2027. Upon completion, he claimed, it would form the country's largest metro network. A 45-acre depot at Mogarpada is under construction to support Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11.
The project, with an investment of approximately Rs 16,000 crore, is expected to benefit around 22 lakh commuters daily by reducing travel time by 50 to 75 percent. The 35.20-kilometre lines will link Mumbai's Wadala, Ghatkopar, and Mulund areas to Thane's Kasarvadavali and Gaimukh, featuring eight major interchanges for seamless integration within the MMR.
The chief minister attributed delays and cost overruns to the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, a coalition of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress that ruled from 2019 to 2022. He alleged that the MVA halted critical infrastructure projects, causing over two and a half years of setbacks.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde, who chairs the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), echoed these sentiments, criticising former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan's administration for neglecting Thane despite its growing population and connectivity needs. Shinde credited the current Mahayuti alliance—comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—for reviving the initiatives despite hurdles.
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Following the successful trial, the MMRDA will seek certification from an Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) and mandatory approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) before commencing operations. This development aligns with Maharashtra's broader push for sustainable urban transport, addressing traffic congestion and promoting economic growth in the MMR, home to over 20 million people.
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