Pune: Neo Metro Project Not Feasible Due To Technical Challenges, States Mohol, Confirmation Awaited From Centre
Pune: Neo Metro Project Not Feasible Due To Technical Challenges, States Mohol, Confirmation Awaited From Centre
The Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, declared during his Pune visit that the Neo Metro project has been deemed unfeasible on technical grounds. Originally proposed by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), the project aimed to introduce a modern trolley bus system with advanced features across Nashik, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The Neo Metro system was envisioned as a network of 25-meter-long electric buses equipped with overhead electric traction and rubber tires, designed to operate on both ground and elevated tracks. These air-conditioned buses were planned to feature automatic door closing systems and electronic displays for passenger information.
Initially proposed in 2018 under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Devendra Fadnavis, the project gained approval from the Maharashtra state government and was submitted to the central government. However, the Central government, following a technical assessment, rejected the concept, citing fundamental challenges.
Minister Mohol clarified that after the rejection of the Neo Metro project for Nashik, no further proposal was submitted for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Pune, the project was intended to run along the high-capacity mass transit route (HCMTR), aiming to alleviate transportation challenges in the region.
The decision comes as a setback for urban transportation plans in these cities, which were anticipating the benefits of enhanced connectivity and modern amenities promised by the Neo Metro system. With the project’s rejection, authorities are expected to explore alternative solutions to meet the growing transportation needs of Nashik, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
While the Neo Metro project offered a promising vision for future urban mobility, technical hurdles have halted its implementation, prompting a reconsideration of transportation strategies moving forward.
