Metro route extension in Pune to gain momentum in 2025, launch likely in September | Pune News
The last two years saw the opening of two Pune Metro rail routes in phases, much to the relief of commuters. The coming year will further ease their troubles with the launch of the Metro service from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar.
The 23-km service was initially meant to be operational by March 2025, but it is now slated to start by September.
“Work on the Metro rail route from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is in full swing. However, its launch got delayed due to restrictions imposed during the election period and breaks for VIP movement. An extension has been sought in the deadline to start operations on the route from September-end,” said an officer with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who reviewed the work, directed officials to speed it up. Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis will also review the project.
The PMRDA is also constructing a flyover along the Metro route on Ganeshkhind Road and its work is going on.
The metro rail route from Shivajinagar will enable direct and easier commuting for citizens to and from the Hinjewadi Infotech Park that provides employment to thousands in the city.
Phase 1 of the Metro rail included two routes from Vanaz to Ramwadi and Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate, covering 33 km with an intersection at Civil Court in Shivajinagar. The routes are fully operational with two stretches being opened to the public in 2024.
Meanwhile, Pune Metro has started the work to extend an operational route from PCMC to Nigdi and Swargate to Katraj, totalling 9 km. “The work for extension has started and will gain momentum in 2025. There is also the possibility of getting final approval for extension of the routes from Ramwadi to Wagholi, Chandni Chowk to Vanaz along with the Khadakwasla to Kharadi route in the New Year so that the work can start,” said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Pune Metro.
Last year, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) gave the go-ahead for implementing Phase 2 of the Metro rail project in the city, spanning over 113.23 km, which was partly approved by the state government and was sent to the Union government for its nod.
The proposed Phase 2 also includes the routes from Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar, and Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor.
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