Pune: The Centre on Monday gave approval to the extension of Pune Metro from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi, but delayed the nod for Swargate to Katraj route considered one of the busiest stretches that could attract record footfall.
The route between PCMC to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi on Line 1 between Pimpri to Swargate will be elevated with three stations.
Besides Line-1, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has undertaken work on Line 2 between Vanaz and Ramwadi, while Line 3 between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar is executed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
In its order, the Union ministry of housing and civil affairs (MoHUA) said, “Maha-Metro shall function as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the implementation of the project jointly and equally owned by Government of India (Gol) and Government of Maharashtra (GoM).”
The newly sanctioned segment will be 4.413-km long featuring three elevated stations - Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi. The construction of the route estimated to cost ₹910.18 crore is scheduled for completion early 2027, said Maha-Metro officials.
“The project will be completed in three years and three months from the date of sanction of the project,” stated the notification signed by MoHUA deputy secretary Sunil Kumar.
{{/usCountry}}“The project will be completed in three years and three months from the date of sanction of the project,” stated the notification signed by MoHUA deputy secretary Sunil Kumar.
{{/usCountry}}The decision expands the Pune Metro network to an impressive 37.613 km covering 33 stations.
The Centre’s proposed funding in the form of grant will be ₹67.02 crore which is 10% of the total project cost, excluding private investment, land, taxes.
The Centre’s notification further stated that any other cost escalation due to price escalation or exchange rate variation leading to increase in the budget of the project shall be borne by the state government.
PCMC standing committee had approved a detailed project report (DPR) for the stretch in December 2018. The Maharashtra government’s cabinet cleared it in February 2021 and forwarded it to the state and central fovernments.
The current operational tracks of the Pune Metro span 23.6 km, facilitating the commute from PCMC to Civil Court Metro Station and Vanaz to Ruby Hall Clinic, with an interchange at Civil Court Metro Station.
Shravan Hardikar, managing director, Maha-Metro said, “The extension will benefit the vast population residing at Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi areas. Assuring timely completion within the stipulated 3 years and 3 months, this extension promises to integrate seamlessly with the existing metro network, facilitating a smooth transit experience for thousands of daily commuters.”
Hemant Sonwane, director (public relations), Maha-Metro, said, “We will start the tendering process soon. It will take at least three months to complete the bidding process.”
Maha-Metro awaits nod for crucial Swargate-Katraj extension route from Centre. The officials said they are eagerly awaiting approval of the Swargate to Katraj extension. Swargate to Katraj (underground) metro route is under scrutiny by the central authorities. The cost of Swargate to Katraj underground metro route is ₹3,663 crore.
Sonwane said, “We are waiting for the Swargate-Katraj extension approval. At present, the proposal of Swargate to Katraj extension is under scrutiny of MoHUA, Thereafter, it will be sent to the Public Investment Board (PIB). As the estimated cost is higher, the proposal will be put up before the Union cabinet for final approval.”
In January 2020, the extension’s DPR was presented by the Maha-Metro to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). It had estimated the extension to cost ₹4283.72 crore and have a daily ridership of 95,000 riders in 2027 and 197,000 in 2057.