Pune Metro Update: TBM Tunnel Segment Casting Begins for Swargate-Katraj Underground Corridor
Pune, 13th May 2026: Construction work on the extended Pune Metro Phase-1 corridor from Swargate to Katraj has achieved a significant milestone with the commencement of casting work for Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnel segments. The casting of the first tunnel segments for the 5.46-km fully underground metro corridor began on May 12, 2026.
The work was formally inaugurated by Maha Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar in the presence of senior officials of Maha Metro, Pune Metro staff, and representatives of contractor company CEM India.
The Swargate-Katraj corridor is one of the key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening Pune’s public transport network. The entire route will be constructed underground using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). The specially designed precast RCC tunnel segments being cast will be used to reinforce and support the underground tunnel structure during excavation.
Senior Maha Metro officials, including Director (Works) Atul Gadgil, Director (Systems & Operations) Vinodkumar Agrawal, and Director (Finance) Harendra Pandey, were present during the inauguration ceremony.
According to Maha Metro, a total of 6,993 tunnel rings will be cast for the 9.7-km twin-tunnel stretch. Each ring will consist of a 5+1 configuration, including five segments and one key segment. Eight specialised moulds supplied by CBE Group are being used for the casting work.
The tunnel will have an external diameter of 6.35 metres and an internal diameter of 5.8 metres. Each segment will be 275 mm thick, while each ring will have a width of 1.4 metres.
The underground metro extension will connect several densely populated southern areas of Pune to the metro network. Five underground stations are planned along the route — Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Padmavati, Balajinagar, and Katraj.
Speaking on the occasion, Shravan Hardikar said the Swargate-Katraj corridor is an important project for Pune residents and the beginning of tunnel segment casting reflects steady progress in construction work.
He stated that Maha Metro aims to complete the project within the stipulated timeline while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
He added that the corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in areas such as Swargate, Dhankawadi, Padmavati, and Katraj, besides helping commuters save travel time and fuel.
