Mumbai’s much-anticipated Metro Line 4, along with its extended corridor Metro 4A, has once again missed its scheduled launch timeline, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) now targeting November 2026 for the commencement of partial operations between Gaimukh and Cadbury Junction.
The corridor, which has faced multiple postponements this year, was earlier planned for phased commissioning, with an initial section expected to open by January, followed by further expansion by March. However, recurring construction hurdles and project execution challenges have led to repeated revisions of the timeline.
A recent report noted that a fatal incident in February, involving the collapse of a parapet slab in Mulund, significantly disrupted pre-commissioning activities and safety certification procedures. The setback is believed to have delayed progress by nearly two months, creating a cascading effect on the overall schedule.
With the monsoon season currently underway, officials expect additional constraints that could further slow down completion work and regulatory approvals required before passenger services can begin.
Despite the delays, project authorities maintain that physical construction on the proposed operational stretch is approximately 90 per cent complete. Efforts are now being focused on finishing remaining civil works, system integration, and safety validations.
In the absence of the permanent Mogharpada depot—unlikely to be ready by the launch timeline—temporary maintenance facilities are being arranged to ensure that train operations can begin on the partial corridor without disruption.
Meanwhile, trial runs on sections of the elevated line have already been conducted since last year, with several metro trainsets currently stationed along the corridor, awaiting final clearance for commercial deployment.
Once operational, the Gaimukh–Cadbury stretch is expected to provide significant relief to commuters in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs, though residents will have to wait longer than initially promised for full connectivity across the line.
Source: Swarajya
