PMC approves two new metro corridors under Pune Metro Expansion Project

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant boost to Pune’s metro network expansion, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved two new metro routes connecting Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor and Hadapsar to Saswad Road railway station. The project, estimated at Rs 5,704 crore, aims to improve connectivity in the eastern and southeastern parts of the city.

The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro), responsible for implementing the Pune Metro, submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for the two new routes, which has now been greenlit by the civic body. However, the approval comes with the condition that PMC will not provide a financial guarantee for repaying loans required for the project. Instead, the civic body will contribute Rs 3.6 crore solely for land acquisition.

As per the DPR:

• The Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor route will span 11.35 km and include ten metro stations.

• The Hadapsar to Saswad Road railway station route will extend 5.57 km with four stations.

The total project cost of Rs 4,686 crore will be funded through a 60% loan component, while the state and union governments will each contribute 20% of the funding.

Integration with Existing Metro Plans

Both new corridors are planned as spur lines of the Kharadi via Hadapsar and Swargate to Khadakwasla metro corridors, which have already received state government approval. Atul Gadgil, Director of Pune Metro, emphasized the need to expedite state-level approvals for these spur lines to ensure seamless integration into the broader metro network.

Initially submitted in May 2023, the DPR faced delays as PMC required Maha-Metro to consult the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) due to overlapping projects. Following discussions with these agencies, the metro authorities have now addressed the concerns, paving the way for progress.

The planned metro stations are as follows:

• Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor Line: Hadapsar Phata, Hadapsar Bus Depot, Akashwani-Hadapsar, Laxmi Colony, Stad Farm, Manjari Phata, Draksha Baug, Toll Naka, Wak Vasti, and Loni Kalbhor.

• Hadapsar Bus Depot to Saswad Road Railway Station Line: Hadapsar Gliding Club, Fursungi IT Park, Sulabh Garden, and Saswad Road Railway Station.

Future Impact

The approval of these routes marks a significant step toward expanding Pune’s metro network, enhancing connectivity for commuters in key suburban areas. By integrating with existing and upcoming corridors, the project is expected to decongest road traffic and offer a more efficient public transport alternative. With state-level approvals anticipated soon, Pune Metro’s expansion continues to progress toward a more comprehensive urban transit system.