Maharashtra govt approves extension of metro rail to Chandni Chowk and Wagholi in Pune

The overall estimated cost of the extended routes is Rs 3,756.58 crore.

State Government Approves Pune Metro’s Extensions: Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi

Pune: Pune Metro’s Vanaz to Ramwadi stretch has received approval from the state government for extensions at both ends: Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi. #punemetro… pic.twitter.com/7AP4T7GU4n

— Pune Metro Rail (@metrorailpune) March 11, 2024

The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro) will implement the project with a financial assistance of 20 per cent each from state and central governments while Maha-Metro will raise 60 percent of remaining Rs 1,935.89 crore from financial institutes.

“The nod to extend the Pune metro rail will help in industrial development of the city and would provide an environmentally friendly mass transport system for the increasing population of the city,” said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The state government will now forward the proposal to the central government for final approval.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had approved the detailed project report of extension of Pune metro in October last year after considering all the factors related to it.

This is the second extension of phase one of Pune metro rail. The foundation stone for the first extension from PCMC to Nigdi was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week while the proposal to extend the metro rail from Swargate to Katraj is awaiting the union government.

The phase one of the Pune metro rail was from PCMC to Swargate and Vanaz to Ramwadi.

The route is being made operational in phases and last week Vanaz to Ramwadi route was made operational.

The second route from PCMC to Civil Court is operational for the last few months and is expected to be extended to Swargate by the end of March.

The Vanaz to Chandni Chowk extension spans 1.12 km, all elevated, and has two stations: Kothrud Bus Depot Station and Chandni Chowk Station.

The Ramwadi to Wagholi stretch, entirely elevated and spanning 11.36 km, will accommodate 11 stations: Viman Nagar, Somnath Nagar, Kharadi Bypass, Tulaja Bhavani, Ubale Nagar, Upper Kharadi Road, Wagheshwar Temple, Wagholi, Siddharth Nagar, Bakori Phata and Vithalwadi.

Managing Director of Maha Metro Shravan Hardikar said, “These are natural extensions for the Vanaz to Ramwadi line, which have been approved by the state government. This approval will expedite the implementation of these lines, providing significant benefits to the residents along Nagar Road. Moreover, it will enhance accessibility for IT companies, financial institutions, schools, and colleges situated along the Ramwadi to Wagholi stretch, thereby alleviating congestion on the crowded Nagar Road. Similarly, the Vanaz to Chandni Chowk extension will help the residents and offices in the area.”

The detailed project report of phase two of Pune metro rail has also been submitted by PMC to the state government for approval.