Pune’s Swargate-Katraj Metro Line to Include Balaji Nagar Station in Front of Bharati Vidyapeeth

Pune, 18th December 2024: The Balaji Nagar Station on the Swargate to Katraj Metro Line will be located in front of the entrance to Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University. This new station raised concerns regarding the distance between stations. In response, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has finalised the distances between various stations. The longest stretch on this line, measuring 2.11 kilometres, will be between Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard (Market Yard) and Padmavati. The distance between the remaining three stations will range from 1 to 1.25 kilometres. The fare structure will be adjusted accordingly.

The detailed project report (DPR) for the 5.65 km-long metro line from Swargate to Katraj proposes three stations: Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. However, following requests from public representatives and residents, the Balaji Nagar Metro Station was added. Since the distance between Padmavati and Katraj is only 1.9 km, there were discussions about the impact of the new Balaji Nagar station on the distance between these two stations.

Maha Metro has confirmed that the Balaji Nagar station will be located in front of Bharati Vidyapeeth. The distances between the stations are as follows: Swargate to Market Yard (1.31 km), Market Yard to Padmavati (2.11 km), Padmavati to Bharati Vidyapeeth (1.23 km), and Bharati Vidyapeeth to Katraj (1 km). Fares will be adjusted for short and long distances, according to Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Maha Metro.

The total cost of the underground metro line is estimated to be Rs 2,954 crore, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) contributing 15% (Rs 485 crore). PMC will also provide the land for the project, valued at Rs 248 crore. A proposal regarding the cost of the station at Bharati Vidyapeeth will be sent to the Maharashtra State Government for approval.

The Swargate-Katraj route will be entirely underground, requiring excavation 100 feet below the surface. A geological survey of the land has been initiated by experts from the Geological Survey of India. Hemant Sonawane stated, “While the construction of a new station at Bharati Vidyapeeth has altered the distances on this line, the new station will benefit residents, and the stations have been planned with careful consideration of the distances.”