Maha Metro awards Consultancy Contract for R&R Studies on Pune Metro Phase 2 Corridors

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has awarded a ₹79.65 lakh consultancy contract for conducting Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) studies for key corridors under Pune Metro Phase II.

The consultancy assignment has been awarded to a joint venture comprising Infer Development Consulting Pvt. Ltd. and ES Safeguards Compliance Services Pvt. Ltd., which will undertake socio-economic assessments and prepare rehabilitation strategies for communities affected by the upcoming metro expansion.

Key Corridors Under Study

The R&R consultancy will focus on the following priority corridors planned under Pune Metro Phase II:

• Kharadi – Hadapsar – Swargate – Khadakwasla

• Nal Stop – Warje – Manik Baug

These corridors are expected to significantly improve connectivity between major residential, commercial, and suburban areas of Pune, while helping reduce traffic congestion across the rapidly expanding metropolitan region.

Scope of Consultancy Work

Under the contract, the appointed consultants will conduct detailed social impact assessments and rehabilitation planning, which are essential components of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying households, businesses, and properties affected by the project

• Assessing socio-economic conditions of impacted communities

• Preparing mitigation and rehabilitation strategies

• Ensuring compliance with statutory social safeguard regulations

Such studies help ensure that project implementation is socially responsible and aligned with regulatory frameworks governing land acquisition and resettlement.

Contract Value and Timeline

The total contract value is ₹79,65,000, inclusive of GST and all applicable taxes and levies.

The consultancy assignment is scheduled to be completed within 180 days, enabling Maha Metro to prepare the necessary groundwork for land acquisition and project implementation in the identified corridors.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement studies are a critical component of infrastructure development, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

By conducting these assessments early in the project cycle, project authorities aim to:

• Minimise displacement-related challenges

• Ensure fair compensation and rehabilitation measures

• Reduce project implementation delays

• Promote inclusive urban development

This approach aligns with national infrastructure guidelines and international best practices for social impact management.

Boost to Pune Metro Phase II Development

The Pune Metro Phase II project is expected to significantly expand the city’s rapid transit network, improving accessibility between major employment centres, residential zones, and suburban areas.

The upcoming corridors are part of the broader plan to enhance mass transit capacity and reduce dependence on private vehicles, supporting sustainable urban mobility.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, emphasised the importance of integrating social considerations into infrastructure planning.

“Large urban transit projects must balance infrastructure development with social responsibility. Conducting comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement studies at an early stage ensures that affected communities are properly supported while enabling smoother project execution,” she said.

With the appointment of experienced consultants for R&R studies, Maha Metro is strengthening the foundation for Pune Metro Phase II, ensuring that both technical planning and social impact mitigation are addressed effectively.

The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on inclusive infrastructure development, where urban mobility expansion is implemented alongside responsible community engagement and rehabilitation planning.