CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Mumbai. A significant step has been taken towards the expansion of the metro network in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital. The first driverless metro train prepared for Metro Lines 4 and 4A was unveiled on October 14, 2026, at Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The train is an example of locally developed and manufactured rail technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The Maharashtra government has set a target of completing at least 70 kilometres of new metro corridors in Mumbai by 2027.
Alstom will supply a total of 39 driverless trainsets for Mumbai Metro Lines 4 and 4A. According to the company, the first train took about 14 months to build. The train was designed in Bengaluru, while manufacturing took place at Sri City. Its propulsion system and bogies were supplied from Coimbatore and Savli in Gujarat.
Along with promoting local manufacturing, the project also includes modern signalling systems, depot equipment and a five-year maintenance arrangement. It is expected to help develop technical capability for urban rail transport in India.
Metro Line 4 is being developed as an approximately 32.3-kilometre elevated corridor from Wadala to Kasarvadavali in Thane. Line 4A is part of the plan to extend it further to Gaimukh. These corridors are expected to strengthen public transport connectivity between Mumbai and Thane.
The new six-coach trains include passenger-focused features such as accessibility for wheelchair users, designated space for bicycles and improved airflow-based cooling. The trains are stated to have a design speed of 90 kilometres per hour and an operational speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
The first train is expected to be dispatched by the end of November 2026 and is likely to reach Mumbai in the first or second week of December. However, testing and the required safety certification will have to be completed before passenger services begin. Operations can start only after approvals from the relevant railway safety institutions.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced plans to make 2027 a ‘Metro Year’ for Mumbai. The target is to complete at least 70 kilometres of metro corridors during this period. This could help reduce pressure on road traffic in the city, cut travel time and increase public transport capacity.
However, completion of the projects within the stipulated timeline will depend on construction work, testing, safety clearances and the availability of facilities such as depots. The unveiling of the new driverless train marks important progress in this direction, but further processes still need to be completed before passenger services can begin.
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