Pune: MahaMetro Awaits Approval From State Government For Expansion of Swargate-Katraj Metro Line; Costs Set to Rise by Rs 683 Crore
Pune, 24th February 2025: The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has submitted a proposal to the State Government for the expansion of the Swargate to Katraj Metro line, including the addition of two new stations at Balaji Nagar (near Bharati University) and Sahakar Nagar, Bibwewadi. The proposal, sent in late January, awaits in-principle approval, after which a fresh tender process will commence.
Metro officials have clarified that as the entire metro line is underground, there will be no need for land acquisition apart from the station sites. MahaMetro is undertaking the 5.46 km underground metro line project, originally planned with three stations: Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. However, following public demand and recommendations from local representatives, an additional station at Balaji Nagar was proposed. Further inspection suggested the necessity of another station in Bibwewadi and Sahakar Nagar, leading to its inclusion in the plan.
The addition of these two stations will increase the project cost by ₹683 crore. As per the existing financial structure, 10% of the funds will come from the Central Government, 15% from the State Government, and 15% from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), while the remaining 60% will be secured through loans. Consequently, PMC will bear 15% of the costs, amounting to ₹248.52 crore for land acquisition, with the final decision resting with the State Government.
Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of MahaMetro, stated that after a thorough inspection, the proposal for the additional stations has been submitted for approval. He expressed confidence that approval will be granted soon, allowing work to proceed with a fresh tender process. While the project cost will rise, the expansion is expected to significantly benefit the city’s commuters.
