A resident of Thane has raised an alarm over a possible structural flaw along the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line 4 corridor, drawing swift attention from the local police. In a post shared on X, Sachin Shingare uploaded a photograph that allegedly showed a misaligned concrete slab on the Ovala–Kasarvadavli stretch. He tagged the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Thane Municipal Corporation and Thane City Police, urging officials to conduct an urgent inspection to avoid any potential mishap. The post quickly gained traction, prompting authorities to seek further clarification regarding the precise location of the suspected defect.
Responding publicly to the complaint, the Thane Police asked the user to specify the exact position of the slab so that an on-site assessment could be carried out without delay. The complainant clarified that the irregularity could be seen between Ovala and Kasarvadavli, identified as the first station on Metro Line 4, which links Thane with Wadala. The stretch is part of a major infrastructure project aimed at improving east-west connectivity. Officials have yet to confirm whether the slab is structurally compromised, but the exchange highlights increasing public vigilance surrounding large-scale urban transport works in the region.
The concern emerges only days after a fatal accident in Mulund West on February 14 involving the same metro corridor. A section of a parapet wall from an under-construction bridge on Mumbai Metro Line 4 suddenly gave way near the Mulund Fire Station, crashing onto an autorickshaw and a nearby car. One passenger travelling in the autorickshaw was killed instantly, while three others suffered injuries. The injured victims were taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared one person dead. Of the remaining injured, one continues to be in critical condition, while the others are reported stable.
The collapse sparked anger among residents, who assembled at the accident site and questioned the quality of construction and adherence to safety norms. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde visited the location and later met the deceased victim’s relatives. She pointed to possible lapses in precautionary measures, stating, “The parapet segment had been placed just a day earlier. If the work was recent, the stretch should have been barricaded.” Her remarks intensified scrutiny over safety compliance. Citizens have since demanded stricter monitoring of metro construction zones to prevent further tragedies.
Following the incident, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority initiated a comprehensive investigation into the structural failure near Pier P196 of the elevated section. Authorities confirmed that no active construction activity was underway when the parapet portion collapsed, raising doubts about workmanship and overall structural soundness. In connection with the Mulund tragedy, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against company officials. Five individuals have been arrested, including senior project personnel from Milan Road Buildtech, a subcontractor of Reliance Astaldi JV, and DB Hill LBG. Further investigation into accountability and compliance is ongoing.