Major Expansion for Pune Metro Network
In a significant boost to Pune's urban infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has given its formal approval for two new metro corridors under Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. This decision marks a crucial step in expanding the city's public transportation system and improving connectivity across key residential and commercial areas.
Project Details and Financial Framework
The approved corridors include Line 4 stretching from Kharadi to Khadakwasla via Hadapsar and Swargate, and Line 4A connecting Nal Stop to Manik Baug via Warje. Together, these routes will cover an extensive 31.636 kilometers and feature 28 elevated stations along their path.
The massive project comes with an estimated price tag of Rs 9,857.85 crore and is scheduled for completion within a five-year timeframe. Funding will be shared between the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and various external bilateral or multilateral agencies, ensuring robust financial backing for this transformative initiative.
Strategic Connectivity and Integration
These new metro lines form an integral component of Pune's Comprehensive Mobility Plan and are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing and approved corridors at key interchange points including Kharadi Bypass, Nal Stop, and Swargate. The network will also provide crucial interchange facilities at Hadapsar Railway Station while offering connectivity for future extensions toward Loni Kalbhor and Saswad Road.
The alignment will run along major transportation arteries including Solapur Road, Magarpatta Road, Sinhagad Road, Karve Road, and the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway. This strategic routing will connect important neighborhoods ranging from Kharadi IT Park and Hadapsar's industrial zone to Warje and Khadakwasla's tourist areas, creating a comprehensive urban transport solution.
Expected Impact and Ridership Projections
The expansion is projected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on Pune's busiest roads while promoting safer and more environmentally friendly mobility options. According to official estimates, combined ridership on Lines 4 and 4A is expected to reach 4.09 lakh passengers in 2028, with substantial growth anticipated in subsequent decades.
Projections indicate the ridership will increase to nearly 7 lakh by 2038, 9.63 lakh by 2048, and exceed 11.7 lakh by 2058. The Kharadi-Khadakwasla corridor alone is forecast to carry 3.23 lakh passengers in 2028, growing to 9.33 lakh by 2058, while the Nal Stop-Warje-Manik Baug spur is expected to see ridership increase from 85,555 to 2.41 lakh commuters over the same period.
Execution responsibility has been assigned to Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), which has already commenced preliminary work including topographical surveys and detailed design tasks, indicating the project's forward momentum.
