Pune Gets Big Boost In Maharashtra Budget 2026 With Metro Expansion, New Roads and Tech Hub Plans

Mumbai, March 5, 2026: The Maharashtra Budget 2026 has announced a major push for infrastructure development in Pune, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiling several key projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and accelerating the city’s growth. The budget for 2026–27 places special emphasis on expanding public transport, improving road and rail connectivity, and strengthening Pune’s role as a technology and innovation hub.

Metro Expansion to Saswad and Wagholi

A key highlight of the budget is the expansion of Pune Metro under Phase 2. The government has approved extensions of existing corridors, including the Khadakwasla–Swargate and Hadapsar–Kharadi routes.

New metro routes from Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor and Hadapsar Bus Depot to Saswad Road have also received approval. In addition, the 11-kilometre Ramwadi–Wagholi metro corridor has been cleared, which is expected to ease traffic congestion along the busy Ahmednagar Road corridor.

Authorities have also begun preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 54-kilometre twin underground metro corridor connecting Yerawada to Katraj and Hinjawadi to Sinhagad Road, which will significantly improve cross-city travel.

Rail and Road Connectivity Projects

The budget also proposes major improvements in rail infrastructure. A third and fourth railway line between Pune and Lonavala will be developed with an investment of ₹5,100 crore, benefiting commuters from areas such as Pimpri-Chinchwad, Akurdi and Talegaon.

Additionally, a 53-kilometre elevated road between Pune and Shirur will be constructed at a cost of ₹7,514 crore. Plans are also underway for the Talegaon–Chakan elevated road and the six-laning of the Chakan–Shikrapur route, which will improve connectivity in the industrial belt.

A major 192-kilometre greenfield highway between Shirur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has also been proposed, with an estimated investment of ₹14,886 crore.

Purandar Airport and Irrigation Projects

To strengthen aviation infrastructure in the district, the government announced the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to accelerate work on the proposed Purandar International Airport.

In the agriculture sector, the Nira–Karha river linking project will be implemented to address water shortages in drought-prone areas of Baramati and Purandar talukas, improving irrigation and drinking water supply.

Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development

The budget also includes provisions to preserve Pune’s cultural heritage. Funding will be allocated for the development of Shivsrushti in Ambegaon. In addition, conservation work will be undertaken for the historic residence and birthplace of Tukaram in Dehu.

Major Tech Hub and Employment Opportunities

In a significant move to boost employment and technology sectors, the government plans to establish a $50-billion Media Tech and AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) hub across Pune and Mumbai.

The initiative aims to generate over 3 million job opportunities, while the creation of 400 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and new innovation cities is expected to position Pune as one of India’s leading global technology destinations.