The arrival of the first train will accelerate preparations to introduce Metro 4 services in phases. The new train rake is also expected to reduce electricity consumption.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is constructing Metro 4 and Metro 4A to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs and Thane. The corridor will have 32 proposed stations, with the project scheduled to become operational in four phases.
Civil construction work is 95 per cent complete on the first phase, from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction, and the second phase, from Cadbury Junction to Mulund Fire Station.
20 Trains to Be Delivered by August 2027
The MMRDA has assigned Larsen & Toubro (L&T) the responsibility of supplying 39 metro trains for the corridor. L&T is having the trains manufactured through Alstom.
According to L&T General Manager Ashish Gupta, the first train has been completed and is expected to arrive at a Mumbai Metro station in December.
Manufacturing of the metro trains is progressing at Alstom’s Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh. Alstom Managing Director Champak Panda said 20 trains would be manufactured and handed over to the MMRDA by August 2027.
The remaining 19 trains will be made available by early 2028, completing the supply of all 39 trainsets planned for the corridor.
Metro 4 Trains to Run at 80 Kmph
The Metro 4 trains have a maximum technical speed capability of 90 kilometres per hour. However, they will operate at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour on this corridor.
Metro Doors to Reopen if Clothing Gets Trapped
The Metro 4 trains will feature an anti-drag safety system at the doors for the first time. If a passenger’s saree, salwar or other clothing gets trapped while the doors are closing, sensors will immediately detect the obstruction and reopen the doors.
The system is designed to prevent passengers from being dragged along with the train and reduce the risk of serious accidents.
The new trains will also be equipped with driverless operating technology. Coordination between the signalling system and train equipment will allow functions such as acceleration, braking and opening and closing doors to be controlled through the Operations Control Centre.
Since the train and signalling systems are being supplied by the same company, technical coordination between the two will be easier.
However, the decision on when to begin driverless train operations will rest with the MMRDA.
Six-Coach Trains to Carry 2,280 Passengers
Each Metro 4 train will consist of six coaches, with a seating capacity of 316 passengers and an overall capacity of 2,280 passengers.
Each coach will be 22 metres long and 3.22 metres wide. Special arrangements will be provided for passengers with disabilities.
For passenger convenience, each coach will have 20 USB charging points for mobile devices, while the number of display screens has also been increased.
The trains will have emergency doors at both the front and rear ends. The estimated service life of each train is 35 years.
With the first train ready for dispatch and the remaining fleet scheduled for delivery by early 2028, the Metro 4 project is moving closer to its phased operational rollout, offering a new public transport option for commuters travelling between Mumbai’s eastern suburbs and Thane.
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