Pune Metro Expansion Plans Unveiled In Budget Ahead Of Civic Polls; State Approves New Routes, Awaits Central Nod
Pune, 11th March 2025: Pune’s metro network is set to expand significantly in the coming year, with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) planning to launch a 23.2-kilometer metro corridor. Additionally, proposals worth ₹9,897 crore for two new metro routes—Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi and Nal Stop-Warje-Manikbagh—have been sent to the central government for approval. Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced these developments while presenting the state budget, aiming to appeal to Pune’s voters ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. He also reiterated that the Swargate-Katraj metro line has already been approved.
Municipal elections have been pending for the past three to four years, but they are expected to take place by Diwali. Against this backdrop, the budget includes a significant metro expansion into suburban areas. The city currently has a 33.28-kilometer operational metro line from Pune’s central areas to Pimpri-Chinchwad. Over the next year, an additional 23.2 kilometers will be added, further extending the network.
Several villages, including Khadakwasla, Kirkatwadi, Kondhwe Dhawade, Manjari, and Nanded, have recently been incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation limits. For the first time, residents of these areas will vote in the municipal elections. To enhance connectivity for these expanding urban areas, the state has approved metro corridors of 31.64 kilometers (Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi) and 6.12 kilometers (Nal Stop-Warje-Manikbagh), with a total estimated cost of ₹9,897 crore. The proposals have received the state government’s approval and are now awaiting the central government’s clearance.
In addition, the state has approved a 5.5-kilometer underground metro route from Swargate to Katraj. However, the budget does not introduce any entirely new metro routes. Instead, it reiterates earlier plans, suggesting that the government’s focus may be on leveraging infrastructure projects to gain favor in the upcoming elections.
