Mumbai Metro Line 4: Trailblazing Trials Without a Depot

Mumbai’s upcoming Metro Line 4, which will run from Gaimukh in Thane to Wadala, is set to become the city’s first Metro corridor to begin trial runs without a dedicated depot.

With delays in the construction of the Mogharpada depot, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd. (MMMOCL) has floated an ₹8.28-crore tender to transport eight six-coach trains (48 coaches in total) from the Mandale depot in Mankhurd to the Metro 4 viaduct between Gaimukh and Cadbury Junction—and back. Since Metro Lines 2B and 4 are not physically connected via tracks, the rakes will be moved across the city by road using hydraulic multi-axle trailers.

Each coach, weighing approximately 40 tonnes, will be transported mainly at night to reduce traffic disruptions. The complex operation may require partial dismantling of coaches, securing approvals from multiple civic and traffic bodies, arranging transit insurance, and ensuring safe handling throughout the journey.

Once operational, the 32-kilometre Metro Line 4 is expected to ease pressure on the Eastern Express Highway and significantly improve east-west connectivity between Mumbai and Thane.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.