Katraj Chowk Braces For More Congestion As Metro Construction Expands
Katraj, 28th August 2026: Katraj Chowk, already struggling with heavy congestion due to multiple infrastructure projects, could face further traffic disruption as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) moves to hand over a land parcel for the proposed Katraj Metro station.
The decision has raised concerns among commuters and residents, who fear that construction activity at the junction could further reduce road space without a clear, coordinated traffic management plan in place. The junction is currently dealing with work by multiple agencies, with Maha Metro constructing the underground Swargate-Katraj Metro corridor and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) working on a flyover.
Local corporator Pratik Kadam has criticised the lack of coordination between the agencies, saying motorists are taking nearly 30 minutes to cover a stretch of barely 1 km around Katraj Chowk. He has also suggested shifting the PMPML bus terminus from the junction to a reserved plot near Katraj Ghat Road to reduce traffic pressure.
The PMC has decided to transfer a 572.46-square-metre plot, valued at around Rs 1.67 crore, to Maha Metro for infrastructure related to the proposed underground station. The land, located near the existing PMPML bus stand, is currently being used as a temporary public parking facility. Maha Metro requires the plot to construct the station’s entry and exit structures.
The PMC has, however, asked Maha Metro to ensure that existing public facilities are not affected. The civic body has sought continued parking provision and separate entry and exit arrangements for the parking area. It has also directed Maha Metro to provide alternative facilities if construction affects existing PMPML bus stops or bus bays.
The 5.46-km Swargate-Katraj Metro extension is being constructed entirely underground and will have three stations, Market Yard, Padmavati and Katraj. The project was sanctioned in September 2024 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,954.53 crore. Government of India project details
The project is expected to provide connectivity to several important areas in south Pune, including Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Padmavati, Dhankawadi and Katraj. At Katraj, the Metro will connect with the PMPML bus depot and road networks including Katraj-Kondhwa Road and Katraj Bypass Road.
Residents, however, are concerned about what the construction phase will mean for daily traffic. They said delays in the NHAI flyover work have already contributed to the congestion and have called for road widening towards Kondhwa and better regulation of PMPML buses at the junction.
The situation could become more difficult as underground Metro construction progresses and tunnel boring machines are deployed. Residents fear that additional barricading and construction-related restrictions could further squeeze the available road space at the already congested junction.
The Mayor has now directed the PMC to hold a joint meeting with the agencies involved and conduct an on-site inspection of Katraj Chowk. The move is aimed at reviewing the traffic situation and improving coordination between the authorities.
For commuters, the concern is not with the Metro project itself but with how the construction is being managed alongside the existing flyover work and daily traffic. With three major infrastructure activities converging at one of south Pune’s busiest junctions, the absence of a unified traffic management plan could leave motorists dealing with prolonged congestion even as the projects promise better connectivity in the long term.
