Maharashtra Govt approves 12.5 km extension of Pune Metro Phase 2

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move, the Maharashtra Government's cabinet granted approval on Monday for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of two elevated extensions to Pune Metro's Aqua Line. These extensions, part of the 14.665 km Line 2, will stretch from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and from Ramwadi to Wagholi.

The approval follows closely on the heels of the virtual inauguration of the final 5.94 km section of the Aqua Line, connecting Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just five days ago. This underscores the swift progress of Pune's metro infrastructure, with a focus on Line 2, also known as the Aqua Line.

The two extensions, totaling 12.48 km, are integral parts of the broader 82.50 km Pune Metro Phase 2 project. It's noteworthy that the project is taking shape in a line-by-line manner. The estimated cost for the development, including land acquisition and construction, is pegged at ₹3,756.58 crore.

The western extension (Line-2A) from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk will cover a distance of 1.12 km. This stretch will introduce two new stations to the network – Kothrud Bus Depot Station and Chandni Chowk Station. The strategic placement of these stations aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility in the western corridor.

On the eastern front, Line-2B from Ramwadi to Wagholi is a more extensive extension, spanning 11.36 km. This segment will feature 11 stations, including Viman Nagar Station, Somnath Nagar Station, Kharadi Bypass Station, Tulaja Bhavani Station, Ubale Nagar Station, Upper Kharadi Road Station, Wagheshwar Temple Station, Wagholi Station, Siddharth Nagar Station, Bakori Phata Station, and Vitthalwadi Station. The comprehensive coverage of key locations underscores the commitment to making metro services accessible to a broader population.

With the Maharashtra Government's approval secured, the DPR for these extensions will now journey to the Central Government for review, feedback, and final approval. Anticipating a timeline similar to previous projects, the approval process may extend into mid-2025. This echoes the experience of the Pune Metro Phase 1 Extension project to Nigdi, approved by Maharashtra's government in February 2021 and gaining approval from the Central Government's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in October 2023.

The approval for these extensions marks a pivotal moment in Pune's metro evolution, emphasizing the commitment to bolstering public transportation infrastructure and providing seamless connectivity to the growing urban landscape.