Thane Metro-4 coaches being placed on track; night traffic changes at Model Checknaka

Another significant step has been taken towards the metro that Thane residents have been waiting for. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is working at pace on the Wadala-Ghatkopar-Kasarvadavali line, Metro-4. Under the project, work has now begun on actually placing metro coaches on the track on the stretch from Model Checknaka to Teen Hath Naka.

Special changes have been made to traffic in the area because of the work. The authorities aim to start metro service in Thane by December, and strong efforts are under way towards that.

A trial run was held on the Metro-4 and Metro-4A route in September last year. The pace of work slowed afterwards, which caused resentment among the public and in political circles. Some parties recently held agitations on the issue. Amid all this, the authorities have now sped up the project.

Once the coaches are on the track, final testing and the remaining processes will move faster. The metro is expected to prove very important in easing the burden of local train and road traffic on the lakhs of working people who travel between Thane and Mumbai.

Special machinery will be used near the Bharat Petrol Pump in the Model Checknaka area to bring the coaches safely to the track. To avoid obstruction to commuters and vehicles, the traffic changes have come into force from the night shift on Wednesday (21 October 2026), with the permission of Thane Traffic Police.

The changes will remain in force from 21 October to 4 November, and then from 9 November to 30 November. The arrangement will apply every day from 12 midnight to 5 am.

As an alternative arrangement, entry at that spot will be closed for vehicles heading from Mumbai and Wagle Estate via Road No. 16 towards Teen Hath Naka through Model Checknaka. To spare motorists inconvenience, an additional lane has been created on the road in the opposite direction, and vehicles have been diverted through this alternative lane.

The authorities have set a target of starting metro service at some select stations in Thane by December. The large project will make travel between Thane and Mumbai easier.