Once operational, the metro is expected to significantly reduce Thane’s traffic woes.
Thane: Thane is witnessing rapid infrastructure growth, with the ‘Wadala–Ghatkopar–Kasarvadavali’ Metro Line 4 project progressing steadily. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Sunday that trial runs on this route will begin in September and that the line will be operational by the end of this year.
Shinde was speaking at the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Varsha Marathon event. This announcement brings hope that Thane residents’ long-awaited dream of metro travel may soon be fulfilled. The project has been delayed for several years, forcing citizens to face severe traffic congestion.
Shinde also revealed that an extensive metro network connecting ‘Wadala–Thane–Mira-Bhayandar–Mumbai’ will be developed, with an internal metro line to link different corridors. Once operational, the metro is expected to significantly reduce Thane’s traffic woes. Additionally, a coastal road will connect Thane to Mumbai, running from Saket Creek to Ghodbunder’s Gaimukh and Fountain.
Slow Track Work Raises Concerns
The first phase of Metro Line 4 and 4A, between Gaimukh and Cadbury Junction on Ghodbunder Road, will cover 10 stations. Track-laying work on this stretch has only just begun. Contracts for rolling stock, signalling, and telecommunications were awarded in late June, with MMRDA planning to bring in trains from Metro 2B for trials.
However, work on the power supply system has not yet started, and signalling contracts were only recently awarded, making it unlikely for the systems to be ready by September even if trains arrive. In areas such as Majiwada and Kapurbawdi, several girders are yet to be installed. Sources suggest that trial runs by September may be unrealistic.
