Premium

Building Pune: Pune Metro to expedite work on extended route from PCMC to Nigdi

PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 4.413 km-long extended stretch in March last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of this 4.413 km-long extended stretch in March last year (Express file photo)

Pune Metro rail authorities are expediting the completion of the extended segment of the Phase One route from PCMC station to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi, with the goal of making it operational six months ahead of schedule.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of this 4.413 km-long extended stretch in March last year, but the actual work began only five months later.

“The construction of the extension stretch from PCMC to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi began in August last year, and the civil work is going in full swing. The deadline for completing work on the stretch is 36 months from the start of actual work, but we are planning to complete it in 30 months,” said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director, Pune Metro Rail.

Sonawane said the administrative processes for laying overhead cables on the track and the mechanical work of installing escalators and lifts have begun even before the completion of civil work. “We don’t want to waste time on completing the administrative process for the works related to the stretch, so it has been done well in advance,” said Sonawane.

The route from PCMC to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi is elevated and has three stations at Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi.

The estimated cost of the extended route is Rs 1,048.22 crore, which covers expenses on development of intermodal integration, stations, pedestrian bridge, system and tracks, environment impact assessment, design, depot and parking on the route.

The 17.4 km Metro route from Swargate to PCMC has been made operational and has received positive response from the public. This route has been extended from PCMC to Nigdi on one end and Swargate to Katraj on the other end. However, the construction on the extended underground route of 5.5 km from Swargate to Katraj is yet to start even though it is expected to be completed by February 2029 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,954.53 crore.

Story continues below this ad

Additionally, the second route, measuring 15.7 km from Vanaz to Ramwadi, is also fully operational. Last month, the Central Government approved its extension on both ends — connecting Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi. These two extended elevated corridors will span 12.75 km and include 13 stations, linking fast-developing suburbs such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is scheduled for completion within four years at an estimated cost of Rs 3636.24 crore.

Meanwhile, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is developing the Metro Line-3, which will span 23 km from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar District Court. This line is expected to start operations by March 2026.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories