Building Pune: Centre’s clearance likely soon, Pune Metro takes up environmental and resettlement study for Line 4

“The construction of Pune Metro Line 4 will commence as soon as the Union government approves. The Pune Metro team is currently completing all necessary administrative processes required before the project can be implemented,” said Chandrashekhar Tambekar, spokesperson for Pune Metro.

“There should not be any delay in the actual implementation of the project due to loss of time for completing the administrative process, so it has been taken in advance. An agency is being appointed to carry out EIA and EMP studies for the Khadakwasla to Kharadi route via Swargate and Hadapsar, as well as for the spur line from Nal Stop to Manikbaug via Warje,” he added.

“Additionally, a separate agency will be appointed to conduct a study on the resettlement and rehabilitation of those affected by Line 4,” Tambekar said, adding that this will help address all land-related issues, ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.

Pune Metro has completed Phase 1 of the project, which includes Line 1 from PCMC to Swargate and Line 2 from Vanaz to Ramwadi. The extension of both lines is still in progress, covering the sections from PCMC to Nigdi, Swargate to Katraj, Vanaz to Chandni Chowk, and Ramwadi to Wagholi.

Pune Metro has already begun planning to develop the routes in Phase 2 by undertaking the design of 14 of the proposed 22 elevated stations on the Khadakwasla to Kharadi route.

Driverless trains to be part of Pune Metro Phase 2

In October 2024, the state government approved the detailed project report (DPR) to implement Phase 2. It includes two routes: a 25.8-km route from Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar, with 22 stations, costing Rs 8,131 crore; and a 6-km route from Nal Stop to Manik Baug via Warje, with six stations, costing Rs 1,765 crore.

Last month, Pune Metro began the process to introduce driverless train service in the city for the upcoming Phase 2, starting with the proposed route from Khadakwasla to Kharadi.

“Pune Metro will implement driverless or unattended train operation (UTO) in greenfield metro lines of Pune Metro rail projects. It will require a different signalling and telecommunication system,” said Vinod Agarwal, director, systems and operations, Maha Metro.

Meanwhile, Line 3 from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is all set to be operational by the end of March next year.