Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru: Union Cabinet Greenlights Over Rs 30,000 Crore Metro Projects
Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru: Union Cabinet Greenlights Over Rs 30,000 Crore Metro Projects (representational pic)
On Friday, the Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, authorized a series of substantial metro projects for Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru, with a total investment surpassing Rs 30,000 crore. These projects, introduced by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, are aimed at reducing traffic jams and enhancing urban mobility.
For Pune, the Cabinet has given the nod to an extension of Phase-1 of the Pune Metro, stretching 5.46 km from Swargate to Katraj. This extension, incorporating three new stations, will require Rs 2,954.53 crore and is anticipated to be completed by February 2029. The initiative is expected to improve traffic conditions, enhance connectivity, and foster sustainable urban growth.
In Thane, the Cabinet approved the Integral Ring Metro Rail Project, a 29-km line featuring 22 stations that will encircle the western edge of the city. With a projected cost of Rs 12,200 crore, this project will be financed equally by the Indian and Maharashtra governments, supplemented by contributions from bilateral agencies and innovative funding mechanisms. It is set to become operational by 2029 and will link significant areas such as Ulhas River and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
For Bengaluru, Phase-3 of the metro project has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore. This phase includes two elevated corridors: Corridor-1, extending 32.15 km from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West, and Corridor-2, covering 12.50 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road. Upon its completion, Bengaluru’s metro network will expand to 220.20 km, offering improved public transportation options and alleviating congestion on key routes.
