Proposal to Cut 162 Trees for Pimpri-Nigdi Metro Stations Draws Concern
Pimpri, 254th June 2025: After cutting 17 trees for the Pimpri-Nigdi metro line, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has submitted a proposal to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) seeking permission to fell 162 more trees obstructing the construction of four new metro stations.
The current metro line runs for 7.5 km from Pimpri to Dapodi, covering six stations—Pimpri, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Nashik Phata, Kasarwadi, Fugewadi, and Dapodi. Under Phase II of the expansion, the metro is being extended by 4.5 km from Pimpri to Nigdi, up to the iconic Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, at an estimated cost of ₹910.18 crore. The proposed stations include Chinchwad, Khandoba Mal Chowk (Akurdi), Tilak Chowk (Nigdi), and Bhakti-Shakti Chowk.
According to the proposal, the 162 trees are obstructing construction work at these station locations, especially at Chinchwad, and Maha-Metro has requested clearance from PCMC’s Garden Department to remove them.
However, the plan has sparked environmental concerns. “It is not appropriate to cut trees for the metro line and stations. It will cause serious ecological damage. Metro authorities should explore alternatives that preserve trees,” said Sachin Kalbhor, a local social activist.
PCMC’s Assistant Commissioner of the Garden Department, Umesh Dhakane, said the proposal is under review. “No decision has been made yet. It will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the Tree Authority Committee. If a tree is 20 years old, Maha-Metro will be required to plant 20 trees as compensation,” he said.
Maha-Metro Director Hemant Sonawane confirmed that some trees will be relocated where possible, and that the corporation has applied for formal clearance from the municipal authorities.
