Pune: Swargate-Katraj Metro Extension: Tunnelling To Begin in January As First TBM Arrives
Pune, 4th November 2026: Work on the underground extension of the Pimpri Chinchwad-Swargate Metro corridor to Katraj is expected to begin in January, with the first of the four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) required for the project arriving in Pune. The machine will be deployed to excavate the tunnel once the launching shaft at Swargate is ready.
The 5.46km Swargate-Katraj stretch will be entirely underground, with tunnelling to be carried out simultaneously from both ends. Two TBMs will operate from Swargate and two from Katraj, with all four machines expected to meet at Padmavati.
Considering the rocky geological conditions along the route, MahaMetro has set a target of excavating around 10 metres of tunnel per day using each TBM. The target is based on the experience gained during construction of the first phase of the Metro project. The machines will operate at a depth of around 28 metres below ground level.
Work on the launching shafts required for underground construction is already underway. Excavation of the shaft at the Market Yard station has begun. The shafts will be used to lower machinery and equipment required for tunnelling and other construction activities.
Once the launching shaft at Swargate is ready, the TBM will be assembled and lowered underground to begin excavation.
The extension is expected to improve Metro connectivity in south Pune by taking the service directly to Katraj. Commuters from Katraj, Market Yard and Padmavati will benefit from the expanded network, while the extension is also expected to help ease traffic congestion in the southern parts of the city.
