District Court - Swargate stretch of Pune Metro Phase 1 opened for public

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): On September 29, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the newly completed 3.3 km District Court to Swargate underground section of the Pune Metro Phase 1 project. This significant milestone is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that includes the laying of the foundation for the Swargate-Katraj extension under Pune Metro’s Phase 1A project, with a total investment of ₹11,200 crore.

The inauguration of this underground metro section not only marks the completion of the Pune Metro Phase 1 project but also enhances the connectivity of the city’s historic core. This section extends the Pune Metro’s 13.3 km Purple Line (PCMC to District Court) and introduces three new underground stations: Kasbhapeth (previously known as Budhwar Peth), Mandai, and Swargate.

The entire Pune Metro Phase 1 project comprises two lines—the Purple Line and Aqua Line—with a total of 27 stations. The construction for Reach 1, connecting PCMC to Range Hills, commenced in August 2017, executed by NCC.

With the commencement of commercial operations at 4 PM on the inauguration day, commuters can now travel from PCMC to Swargate—a distance of 16.59 km—in just 34 minutes, with a fare of ₹30. 

The entire underground section of the Pune Metro, spanning 6.52 km from Range Hills Ramp to Swargate, was developed by a consortium of Gulermak and Tata Projects through two packages awarded in February 2019. The construction utilized three tunnel boring machines (TBMs)—S78, S79, and S81—to achieve eight tunnel breakthroughs, with tunneling for TBM S78 commencing on December 7, 2019, and the final breakthrough recorded in June 2022.

This new section includes approximately 150 meters of twin tunnels built 19 meters below the Mutha Riverbed, completed between March and April 2021. With this engineering feat, Pune becomes the third city in India—after Chennai and Kolkata—to have underground metro tunnels crossing a river.

In addition to the District Court to Swargate segment, the foundation stone for the Swargate-Katraj extension, measuring 5.46 km, was laid by PM Modi during the event. This extension will feature additional stations and aims to enhance connectivity across the southern parts of the city, supporting both local commuters and long-distance travelers.

Swargate Metro Station is designed as a multi-modal hub, facilitating seamless access to city and long-distance bus services. Future plans include the construction of a 15-storey commercial and retail building atop the station, standing 105 meters tall, which will further transform the area into a bustling urban center.

The inauguration of the Pune Metro's new segment is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and public transportation. As Pune embraces this new era of connectivity, residents can look forward to reduced travel times and enhanced commuting experiences, laying the groundwork for the city's future growth and development. With ongoing projects like the Swargate-Katraj extension, Pune is poised to become a leading example of modern urban transit solutions in India.