Mumbai News: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has cleared another key hurdle for the opening of Thane’s Metro 4 and Metro 4A, securing safety certification for the trains planned
for the first passenger service.
According to a report in Swarajya, the approval covers the rolling stock proposed for the initial 10.5-km Gaimukh-Cadbury Junction section, which will have eight stations. MMRDA is now working through the remaining regulatory requirements before passenger services can begin.
Six Trains Planned For First Phase
Six train rakes have been planned for the first phase of operations.
As the main Metro 4 depot is still under construction, MMRDA has prepared a dedicated pit line at Gaimukh to accommodate the trains. The facility will be used for stabling, inspection and routine maintenance of the rakes.
Gaimukh Facility Has Four Lines
The Gaimukh facility has two island platforms and four lines. Two of the lines will support passenger operations, while the remaining two will be used for rake servicing and handling.
The arrangement is intended to allow MMRDA to begin operations even as work on the main Metro 4 depot continues.
RDSO Certification Received In June
The latest rolling stock clearance follows certification from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), which was received in June.
The first-phase certification was issued on June 2, following an extended approval process involving multiple agencies.
CMRS Inspection Completed, Final Clearance Awaited
Officials from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have also inspected the Gaimukh pit line.
The final clearance from the safety regulator is now awaited. MMRDA will have to complete the remaining regulatory requirements before passenger services can commence.
Trial Runs Already Conducted On 4.4-Km Stretch
Trial operations have already been conducted on a 4.4-km stretch covering Gaimukh, Govaniwada, Kasarvadavali and Vijay Garden.
The trains remained stationed on the elevated corridor for an extended period while the certification process was underway.
Metro 4 To Connect Wadala With Kasarvadavali
The full Metro 4 corridor will run 32.32 km from Wadala to Kasarvadavali, providing a major east-west connection across Mumbai and Thane. The 2.88-km Metro 4A extension will continue from Kasarvadavali to Gaimukh.
The opening of the first section will therefore mark the beginning of passenger operations on a part of the larger Metro 4 and 4A network.
