Pune Metro to Add Fourth Metro Station on Swargate-Katraj Line; Costs to Rise by Rs 200-300 Crore
Swargate, 3rd December 2024: The Mahametro authorities have announced a significant alteration to the Swargate-Katraj metro expansion, deciding to add a fourth station at Balajinagar. This decision, aimed at addressing the demands of local representatives and citizens, is expected to raise the project cost by ₹200-300 crore.
The Swargate-Katraj metro line is an extension of the Swargate-Pimpri Chinchwad route of Pune Metro, with the foundation stone for the expansion laid online by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two months ago. The extended line was initially designed to include three stations—Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. However, with the addition of the Balajinagar station, passengers from Dhankawadi and Balajinagar will benefit from improved accessibility.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has granted in-principle approval for the new station, with the condition that Mahametro will bear the construction costs. The PMC will provide the required land but will not contribute financially to the project. The proposal now awaits the standing committee’s nod for final clearance.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale highlighted the community’s need for the new station. “Balajinagar residents have long demanded better connectivity. This station will bridge the gap between Padmavati and Katraj, a stretch that currently exceeds the standard metro station spacing,” he said.
The demand for a station at Balajinagar had been ongoing for years, with a resolution previously passed by the municipal general body. Mahametro, after conducting site inspections and consultations, agreed to include the additional station to address concerns over the 1.9-kilometer gap between Padmavati and Katraj, which exceeds the recommended maximum distance of 1.5 kilometers between metro stations.
A Mahametro official stated, “We considered the accessibility issues raised by passengers and local representatives. The new Balajinagar station will cater to densely populated areas like Dhankawadi, KK Market, and Balajinagar, ensuring better service.”
Project Details
Length of Route: 5.463 kilometers
Revised Project Cost: ₹2,954.53 crore
PMC’s Share: ₹181.21 crore
New Station Addition: Balajinagar
Projected Cost Increase: ₹200-300 crore
The inclusion of Balajinagar station is expected to significantly enhance convenience for residents in Dhankawadi, KK Market, and Balajinagar, fostering improved metro usage and reduced dependence on road transport.
With this strategic change, the Swargate-Katraj metro extension promises to serve as a vital link for Pune’s growing urban population, though challenges related to project costs and timelines remain.
