Maharashtra Govt cabinet approves ₹9,897 crore Pune Metro Phase 2 Project

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): The Maharashtra Government’s Cabinet has officially approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Pune Metro Phase 2 project, marking a significant step forward in enhancing urban mobility in the state's second-largest city. This development comes less than two weeks after the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha-Metro) invited bids to appoint a General Consultant to oversee the project’s implementation.

The approved metro routes include two elevated lines, collectively spanning 31.64 kilometers. These lines are:

• Line-5: A major 25.518 km corridor connecting Khadakwasla, Swargate, Hadapsar, and Kharadi, featuring 22 elevated stations.
• Line-5 Spur: A 6.118 km extension connecting Nal Stop, Warje, and Manik Bagh, comprising six elevated stations.

The total estimated cost for the project is approximately ₹9,897 crore, which will facilitate the construction of 28 stations. This expansion is expected to significantly increase the city's public transportation capacity, addressing the growing demands of Pune's expanding population.

Financial Breakdown

The estimated costs for the two lines are as follows:

• Line-5: Approximately ₹8,131.81 crore
• Line-5 Spur: Approximately ₹1,765.38 crore

Station Details

Line-5 Station Names:

Khadakwasla, Dalvewadi, Nanded City, Dhayari Phata, Manik Baug, Hingane Chowk, Rajaram Bridge, Deshpande Udyan, Dandekar Pul, Swargate North, Seven Loves Chowk, PCB, Race Course, Fatima Nagar, Ramtekdi, Hadapsar, Magarpatta South, Magarpatta Main, Magarpatta North, Hadapsar Railway Station, Sainath Nagar and Kharadi Chowk.

Line-5 Spur Station Names:

Paud Phata, Karve Putla, Dhunkar Colony, Karve Nagar, Warje and Daulat Nagar.

Union Minister and Pune Lok Sabha MP Murlidhar Mohol has emphasized the vital role these new metro lines will play in the overall development of Pune's transportation infrastructure. He is committed to liaising with the Central Government to secure the necessary final permissions for the project’s advancement. Local MP Supriya Sule expressed gratitude for the approval, noting her advocacy for a metro line connecting Khadakwasla to Swargate since 2018.

The introduction of these routes is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, and bolster the city’s economic growth. As Pune continues to expand, this infrastructure development will be crucial in ensuring that public transportation keeps pace with urbanization and the increasing population.

Following the Cabinet's approval, the DPR will be forwarded to the Central Government for review. It will pass through various ministries, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF), before receiving final Cabinet approval.

Maha-Metro has approached the approval process for Pune Metro’s Phase 1 Extension (Phase 1A) in a piecemeal manner, with the four routes—connecting Bhakti Shakti (Nigdi), Katraj, Chandni Chowk, and Wagholi—undergoing separate approval processes. This strategy could set a precedent for future expansions.

There is also potential for additional lines to be integrated into Phase 2. Notably, the 11.35 km Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor line and the 5.57 km Hadapsar to Sasvad Road line are included in the General Consultant’s scope of work, with their DPRs currently awaiting approval from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

The approval of Pune Metro Phase 2 represents a significant milestone for the city’s urban development. With proactive measures being taken to enhance public transportation, the future looks promising for Pune and its residents. As Union Minister Mohol works toward finalizing permissions with the Central Government, the successful implementation of these projects will play a crucial role in shaping Pune's transport landscape for years to come. The metro system promises to provide a reliable and efficient mode of transport, ultimately benefiting both residents and commuters alike.