5 hrs ago
Thane Metro Lines 4, 4A Delayed After Trial Run
Thane Metro Lines 4 and 4A were tested by political leaders one year ago.
However, passengers still cannot use the line for regular travel.
Opposition workers held a mock opening ceremony to show their frustration.
They said the earlier event looked more like a political inauguration than a technical test.
Government officials said trains cannot start carrying passengers until safety checks are complete.
A safety clearance for Phase 1 was obtained in June 2026, but another inspection is still required.
Construction has also faced an accident, heavy monsoon delays, and problems at the main depot.
Officials hope to open the first section by late 2026 and finish the whole corridor in 2027.
Commercial operations remain stalled one year after a trial run on Thane Metro Lines 4 and 4A.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) workers staged a mock inauguration to protest the delay.
The opposition alleged that the 2025 trial run was politically timed and called for completion through Wadala and CST.
Authorities said safety clearances and mandatory Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety inspections must precede passenger operations.
Officials are targeting Phase 1 from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction by late 2026 and full corridor completion by 2027.
- Who
- The Maharashtra state administration, MMRDA officials, project engineers, and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) workers are involved.
- What
- Commercial operations on Thane Metro Lines 4 and 4A remain delayed one year after a trial run.
- Where
- The corridor is in the Thane area, with Phase 1 planned between Gaimukh and Cadbury Junction; protests were held outside Chitalalsar-Manpada police station.
- When
- The trial run took place on September 22, 2025; Phase 1 operations are targeted for late 2026, with full completion targeted for 2027.
- Why
- The delay is attributed to pending safety inspections, a site accident, monsoon disruption, and slow progress at the Mogharpada car depot.
Opposition's criticism
Authorities' explanation
Meaning of the trial run
Opposition's criticism
The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) said the September 2025 event was presented as a political inauguration and was linked to upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections.
Authorities' explanation
State authorities and MMRDA officials maintain that trial operations and commercial launches must follow technical testing and safety procedures.
Opening timeline
Opposition's criticism
The opposition questioned partial opening plans and argued that the corridor should eventually run through Wadala and CST to significantly reduce traffic.
Authorities' explanation
Officials are prioritizing a Phase 1 opening from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction by late 2026 while working toward full corridor completion in 2027.
Reason for delay
Opposition's criticism
Opposition workers used the protest to portray the year-long wait as evidence of poor project planning and implementation.
Authorities' explanation
Project engineers cited a February 2026 site accident in Mulund, heavy monsoon delays, slow progress at the Mogharpada depot, and pending Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety inspections.
Key facts
- Project cost
- ₹15,498 crore
- Trial run
- September 22, 2025
- Phase 1 route
- Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction
- Safety clearance
- Research Designs and Standards Organisation clearance was secured for Phase 1 in June 2026.
- Pending approval
- Mandatory physical inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety
- Phase 1 target
- Late 2026
- Full corridor target
- 2027
Quotes
Manoj Pradhan
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) Thane District President
“The government talks about starting services till Cadbury Junction in a few months, but this line must run all the way to Wadala and CST to truly ease traffic. Focus on completing Metro Lines 4 and 5 first before dumping new projects like the Ring Railway on Thane.”
freepressjournal.in
“Exactly a year ago, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers traveled two stations with much fanfare. If it was just a technical test, why frame it like a grand inauguration? It was done solely with Thane Municipal Corporation elections in mind.”
freepressjournal.in
State authorities and MMRDA officials
Officials responsible for the metro project timeline and safety approvals
“Safety clearances and rigorous testing standards must strictly take priority over rushing commercial timelines.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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