Maha-Metro Unveils ₹1.26 Lakh Crore Transport Plan For Pune

Renuka Suryavanshi 

Pune, January 31, 2025: The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro) has introduced an extensive transport plan worth ₹1.26 lakh crore to accommodate Pune’s expanding population over the next three decades. Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s Guardian Minister, Ajit Pawar, has instructed all elected representatives to examine the proposal and submit their written suggestions within the next seven to ten days.

Key Developments In The Proposed Plan

The comprehensive transport strategy focuses on expanding metro connectivity and upgrading bus infrastructure to improve urban mobility. The plan includes:

• Metro Line Expansions: New corridors connecting Hinjewadi to the District Court, Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi, and Swargate to Katraj.
• New Bus Terminals: Establishment of transport hubs at Mangdewadi, Kadam Vasti, Lonikand, and Moshi.
• Redevelopment of Major Bus Depots: Upgrades at Kothrud, Katraj, Hadapsar, Market Yard, and Pimpri.
• Modernization of Existing Terminals: Revamping of Pulgate, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Nigdi, Mukhai Chowk, Chikhali, Wagholi, Ranjangaon, Talegaon, and Chakan bus stands.

Review Meeting with Lawmakers and Officials

Ajit Pawar reviewed the proposal at a meeting held at the Divisional Commissioner’s office on Thursday, with discussions centered on updating Pune’s metropolitan transport framework and advancing Phase 2 of the Pune Metro project.

The meeting was attended by several public representatives, including Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, and Members of Parliament Supriya Sule, Medha Kulkarni, and Sunetra Pawar, along with multiple MLAs and government officials.

Call for Suggestions and Traffic Decongestion Measures

Pawar urged lawmakers to thoroughly assess the transport plan and propose measures to alleviate traffic congestion by suggesting new routes and alternative road networks. Maha-Metro, he assured, would analyze the technical and financial feasibility of the recommendations before making necessary modifications.

Maha-Metro Managing Director (MD) Shravan Hardikar presented a detailed outline of upcoming metro corridors, bus rapid transit (BRT) routes, and railway expansions to enhance connectivity within the city.

Lawmakers’ Recommendations for Pune’s Transport Development

• MP Supriya Sule emphasized the need to integrate the transport strategy with the upcoming Purandar airport project.
• MLA Vijay Shivtare proposed increasing local train frequency between Pune and Lonavala, setting up a new bus depot in Saswad, and reviving the Pune-Neera local train service, along with reinstating discontinued bus routes.
• MLA Chetan Tupe highlighted the recent state cabinet approval for the Mutha Right Bank Canal tunnel from Khadakwasla to Phursungi. He suggested that a parallel road and a local train or metro line along the tunnel route could significantly reduce congestion in the city.
• Tupe also recommended extending the Swargate-Katraj metro corridor to Mantarwadi via Saswad to improve regional connectivity.

With a deadline set for public representatives to provide feedback, Maha-Metro will now review and incorporate viable suggestions before finalizing the ambitious transport blueprint aimed at transforming Pune’s urban mobility