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This is an archive article published on January 25, 2024

Pune metro to lease out stations, elevated corridor for telecom service

“The Pune metro rail is exploring all possible non-fare revenue sources to keep the fare low for the passengers. The metro service has to be provided at affordable rates to ensure its maximum use by public," said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Pune metro rail.

Pune metroPune metro is allowing Over Head Equipment (OHE) masts for small cell system and leasing space on its buildings including metro station and depot for installation of telecom towers. (File)

In a bid to increase its non-fare revenue, the Pune Metro will lease out their metro stations and elevated route to telecom service providers for installing necessary infrastructure.

“The Pune metro rail is exploring all possible non-fare revenue sources to keep the fare low for the passengers.

The metro service has to be provided at affordable rates to ensure its maximum use by public,” said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Pune metro rail.

He said the Pune metro rail has already laid fibre optics on its route for having best quality telecom connectivity for its operations and the extra bandwidth of the fibre optics will be leased out to those in need of it.

“Pune Metro network is passing through dense traffic area and prominent locations for having telecom connectivity band for mobile operators. It will provide value addition to the telecom industry by utilizing the already available space in Pune Metro network,” Sonawane said.

Thus, the Pune metro is allowing Over Head Equipment (OHE) masts for small cell system and leasing space on its buildings including metro station and depot for installation of telecom towers.

The 535 premises of OHE masts will be leased for 10 years and each premise will have maximum of three small cell antenna and one back haul link antenna.

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It is offering space for installation of telecom tower on station building of the elevated section and depot buildings on lease and those interested will get right to install radio tower at station building for 20 years to augment mobile coverage and to lease services to telecom operators and non-telecom operators for other needs.

The Pune metro has undertaken initiative to capture revenue from real estate and other non-fare box revenues such as advertisements, co-branding and licensing of space.

Currently, the Pune metro service is on the North-South Corridor from PCMC to Shivajinagar to be extended to Swargate and East-West Corridor from Vanaz to Ruby Hall which would soon be extended to Ramwadi.

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background  Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.  "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More


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