Thane Metro Line 4 Trial Runs Start: A Big Change for Commuters and Investors
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde started trial runs on Thane Metro Line 4's 10.3 km route on September 22, 2025. This route, from Gaimukh to Vijay Garden, is the first part of India's longest elevated metro network. A 58-km line connecting Thane, the eastern suburbs, and Mumbai. By December 2025, four stations will open, changing urban mobility and real estate.
Project Milestones and Strategic Impact
The ₹16,000 crore project, run by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has been delayed by two and a half years from the last administration. Fadnavis stressed faster timelines: full connection to Metro Line 11 to Wadala by October 2027. This line will start with 13 lakh commuters daily, growing to 21 lakh, cutting travel time by 75% for Ghodbunder Road folks—a big help for those who recently protested traffic jams.
Key phases include:
- December 2025: Four stations (Gaimukh to Vijay Garden) open
- April 2026: Extension to Cadbury Junction
- October 2027: Full Wadala connection
Real Estate Changes Along the Route
Thane's property market is already reacting to the metro. Near Teen Hath Naka and Kasarvadavli, homes are asking for 18-22% more, as investors see the benefits of transit-oriented development (TOD). Ghodbunder Road, once stuck in traffic, now draws luxury developers like Kalpataru, who are speeding up 1.5-3 crore apartment projects within 500 meters of stations.
Hotspots gaining attention:
- Ghodbunder Road: Becoming a high-end residential area with new developments
- Kasarvadavli Junction: Retail-commercial changes speeding up
- Wadala-Thane Link: Industrial areas turning into mixed-use spaces
Why Investors Should Pay Attention Now
MMRDA's TOD policy encourages high-density projects near stations, giving a great chance for early investors. Big firms like Blackstone are quietly buying land, expecting big value growth after 2027. Homes near stations already have 20% more value, and brokers see 25-30% more once full operations start.
Retail and commercial spaces near metro stations are now more important than standalone malls. Co-living projects for young professionals in Thane West are growing, showing new commuter trends. Commercial spaces are increasingly in demand due to infrastructure development, driving prices up rapidly.
Challenges Amid Progress
Construction causes temporary issues, but everyone is hopeful. The Mogharpada depot isn't finished yet, so there are temporary inspection pits beyond Gaimukh, but L&T-Alstom's six-coach trains are being tested hard. Safety certifications are the last step before the December launch.
As Deputy CM Shinde said, “After 172 years since railways came, Thane finally gets its modern metro.” For real estate investors, this isn't just infrastructure—it's a value booster changing Thane from a bedroom town into a strong economic hub. Smart buyers seeing this change now can get the most rewards when the line is fully open.