Central Government approves Pune Metro's PCMC - Nigdi Extension Corridor

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move aimed at enhancing connectivity and easing commuting in Pune, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), under the purview of the Central Government, has given the green light for the extension of Pune Metro's Purple Line. This much-awaited extension, spanning an impressive 4.413 kilometers, is set to bridge the gap between the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Nigdi, offering a boost to the city's transportation infrastructure.

The ambitious Phase 1A, an initiative spearheaded by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro), is a welcome development for the residents of Pune, who have long awaited improved connectivity solutions. With an estimated budget of Rs. 910.18 crore, the project will witness the creation of three elevated stations at strategic locations - Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi, adding further value to the overall transportation network.

Underlining the project's progression, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the extension received the nod from the state government back in February 2021. Following this, the project secured crucial sanction from the Public Investment Board (PIB) in September 2023, paving the way for its official approval by MoHUA.

In a recent development, Maha-Metro put out a call for the Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) for the extension, with the technical bid opening scheduled for October 27. Notably, a key clarification in the pre-bid queries document revealed that there will be no new depot constructed, contrary to the initial recommendations outlined in the DPR for Nigdi.

Looking ahead, the timeline for the construction phase will largely depend on the prompt appointment of the DDC. With an optimistic outlook, the civil construction tender notice for the PCMC - Nigdi extension could potentially hit the public domain by the middle of 2024, contingent upon the speed at which the design phase is completed.

Moreover, it's worth highlighting that the PCMC - Nigdi extension is part of the broader infrastructure development strategy outlined in the Prime Minister's Gati Shakti mission, which was unveiled in February 2023. However, it is important to note that the approval from MoHUA for the proposed southern extension of the Purple Line, the 5.46 km Swargate - Katraj extension, is still pending, emphasizing the continued efforts needed for comprehensive infrastructural growth and connectivity enhancement in Pune.

In summary, the approval of the PCMC - Nigdi extension stands as a pivotal milestone in Pune's journey towards bolstering its urban transportation network. As the city braces itself for transformative developments, this initiative holds the promise of facilitating smoother commutes and fostering greater accessibility for its residents.