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

“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.

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.