Maharashtra Government Grants Revised Approval for Major Pune Metro Expansion
The Maharashtra government issued a crucial revised administrative approval on Tuesday for two significant Metro lines in Pune: the Kharadi-Swargate-Khadakwasla route and the Nal Stop-Warje route. This decision aligns with earlier clearances provided by the Union government, marking a pivotal step forward for the city's public transportation infrastructure.
Project Overview and Financial Details
The combined project spans an impressive 31.6 kilometers and will feature 28 elevated stations, designed to enhance connectivity across high-traffic areas. The total estimated cost for both lines is Rs 9,857.85 crore. In a collaborative funding effort, both the Union government and the state government will contribute Rs 1,212 crore each towards the project's financing.
To formalize this initiative, the state issued a Government Resolution (GR) that authorizes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Maha Metro, the state government, and the Union government. This GR confirms that Maha Metro will be responsible for executing both Metro routes, ensuring streamlined project management from start to finish.
Approval Process and Next Steps
The Union government initially approved both routes in November 2025, following which the proposal was referred back to the state for this revised administrative approval. With the GR now in place, Maha Metro is tasked with developing a detailed plan for securing a loan component of Rs 4,694 crore from various funding agencies, a critical aspect of the project's financial structure.
Officials from Maha Metro have already commenced preliminary works on both lines. The broader alignments were established during the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR), and current efforts are focused on refining minor details. These include determining probable station locations, designing ramps at stations, and making adjustments to the alignments to optimize efficiency and accessibility.
Infrastructure Impact and Community Expectations
These Metro lines are considered vital for Pune's infrastructure development, as they will provide high-speed connectivity to key areas such as Sinhagad Road, Nagar Road, Solapur Road, and parts of Hadapsar. This expansion is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve daily commutes for thousands of residents.
Regular commuters in regions like Sinhagad Road, Solapur Road, and Nagar Road are urging the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Metro authorities to expedite the project. There is a strong community desire to see the construction completed within a deadline of five years, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced public transport options in the city.
Cost Breakdown and Future Plans
According to project estimations, the cost breakdown includes approximately Rs 1,694 crore for alignment and formation works. The construction of stations on both routes is projected to cost around Rs 1,300 crore, while expenses for traction and power supply, along with signalling and telecommunication systems, are pegged at about Rs 890 crore.
Looking ahead, the tendering process to appoint execution agencies is scheduled to begin in the next few months. This step will be crucial for mobilizing resources and ensuring timely progress on the ground. As Maha Metro continues to fine-tune the project details, the focus remains on delivering a robust and efficient Metro system that meets the growing demands of Pune's urban population.
