The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has marked a significant construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West. The operation, carried out during overnight hours, represents a key step forward in the execution of the metro corridor aimed at improving east–west connectivity across Mumbai’s suburbs.
According to officials, the three steel spans together weighed around 325 metric tonnes and were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. Given the dense residential and commercial surroundings in Bhandup, the operation required meticulous planning and precise execution to ensure safety while minimising disruption to traffic and daily life.
“As Mumbai slept, Metro Line 4 achieved an impressive breakthrough. Three massive steel spans weighing a total of 325 metric tonnes were successfully launched at Bhandup West,” MMRDA said in a post on X.
The authority said the complex activity was completed smoothly with extensive coordination among multiple agencies. These included the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), BEST, Bhandup Traffic Police, Bhandup Police, as well as cooperation from local residents and shopkeepers in the area. Officials noted that such coordination was critical in executing the operation efficiently within limited night-time windows.
Owing to seamless inter-agency planning, the span launch—which was originally scheduled to be completed over four nights—was wrapped up in just two nights. Around 35 engineers, over 100 skilled workers, 70 traffic wardens, and more than 25 police personnel were deployed on site to manage technical execution, traffic diversions, and public safety, ensuring minimal inconvenience to commuters.
“With the successful launch of these steel spans, yet another important milestone has been achieved in the construction of Metro Line 4,” MMRDA said in a post on X.
Metro Line 4 will connect Wadala in south-central Mumbai to Kasarvadavali in Thane, significantly strengthening east–west connectivity. Once operational, the corridor is expected to reduce dependence on road transport, ease congestion on arterial routes, and improve commute times for residents travelling between Mumbai and Thane’s eastern suburbs.
In a parallel development, the Maharashtra Cabinet’s Infrastructure Committee has approved Metro Line 8, also known as the Gold Line, which will directly link Mumbai and Navi Mumbai’s airports. According to a PTI report, the 35-kilometre corridor will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The project has an estimated cost of over Rs 22,000 crore, with a total outlay pegged at Rs 22,862 crore, as per a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office. The Metro Line 8 corridor will comprise 20 stations, of which six will be underground and 14 elevated. Land acquisition for the project is expected to span 30.7 hectares, with an estimated cost of Rs 388 crore.
As per project details, around 9.25 km of the route—from Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 to Ghatkopar East—will be underground. The remaining 24.63 km will run on elevated sections, extending from Ghatkopar West to Navi Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 along the Metro Gold Line.
Together, the progress on Metro Line 4 and the approval of Metro Line 8 underline the state’s continued focus on expanding Mumbai’s metro network to improve urban mobility, regional connectivity, and access to critical transport hubs.
Source: Mid-day
