Pune Metro Network Expansion Gains Momentum With New Routes Approval By PMC, Rs 12683 Crores Expenditure Expected

Sumit Singh

Pune, 4th August 2023: Following the recent inauguration of the extended metro line, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to propel the city’s metro network expansion. 

The Standing Committee has granted its approval today for the Comprehensive Project Plan (DPR) encompassing several new metro lines, including Vanaj to Chandni Chowk, Ramwadi to Wagholi, Khadakwasla to Kharadi, and Paud Phata to Manikbagh. The acquisition of land for these projects is estimated at 7 crores. The aggregate cost for these proposed routes is projected at a substantial 12,683 crore rupees.

Earlier in March 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vanaj to Garware College and Pimpri to Phugewadi metro lines. Subsequently, the metro service from Garware College to Ruby Hall Clinic and Phugewadi to Shivajinagar was inaugurated on Tuesday (1st August).

Notably, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad cities are now seamlessly connected by the metro as both lines converge at Shivajinagar Court Metro Station. Following a directive from the state government, Mahametro has meticulously crafted the DPR for the new route within the city and has duly submitted it to the municipal corporation. Two of these proposed routes secured the Standing Committee’s approval today.

For the extension of the Vanaj to Ramwadi metro line, Mahametro submitted a DPR covering 1.2 km from Vanaj to Chandni Chowk and 11.63 km from Ramwadi to Wagholi-Vitthalwadi metro line. The estimated cost for this phase is 3,609 crore rupees.

Additionally, Mahametro has introduced a fresh route spanning Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi, covering a distance of 25.86 km, and Paud Phata-Warje-Manikbagh, spanning 6.11 km with a cumulative length of 31.98 km. The envisaged expenditure for this ambitious expansion amounts to 9,074.24 crore rupees. This proposed metro line is set to provide essential connectivity to Kothrud, Karvenagar, Warje, and Sinhagad roads, offering much-needed relief to the residents of these heavily congested areas.

Awaiting State and Central Approval

Having undergone meticulous scrutiny by various municipal departments, the Mahametro-prepared DPR was presented before the Standing Committee, earning the approval of Commissioner and Administrator Vikram Kumar. The next step involves the proposal’s consideration in the General Assembly, subsequently necessitating approval from both the state and central governments.

Cost-Burden Alleviation

This substantial project will be supported by 20 percent funding from both the central and state governments, with the remaining 60 percent to be procured through loans facilitated by Mahametro. The Municipal Corporation will contribute 7 crore rupees towards land acquisition for the proposed routes. This represents a significant reduction from the previously projected figure of over 200 crore rupees, attributed to changes in the Metro Act brought forth by the Central Government.