Building Pune: Pune Metro to expedite work on extended route from PCMC to Nigdi

Indian Express

31-07-2025

Pune Metro rail authorities are expediting the completion of the extended segment of the Phase One route from PCMC station to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi, with the goal of making it operational six months ahead of schedule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of this 4.413 km-long extended stretch in March last year, but the actual work began only five months later.
'The construction of the extension stretch from PCMC to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi began in August last year, and the civil work is going in full swing. The deadline for completing work on the stretch is 36 months from the start of actual work, but we are planning to complete it in 30 months,' said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director, Pune Metro Rail.
Sonawane said the administrative processes for laying overhead cables on the track and the mechanical work of installing escalators and lifts have begun even before the completion of civil work. 'We don't want to waste time on completing the administrative process for the works related to the stretch, so it has been done well in advance,' said Sonawane.
The route from PCMC to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi is elevated and has three stations at Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi.
The estimated cost of the extended route is Rs 1,048.22 crore, which covers expenses on development of intermodal integration, stations, pedestrian bridge, system and tracks, environment impact assessment, design, depot and parking on the route.
The 17.4 km Metro route from Swargate to PCMC has been made operational and has received positive response from the public. This route has been extended from PCMC to Nigdi on one end and Swargate to Katraj on the other end. However, the construction on the extended underground route of 5.5 km from Swargate to Katraj is yet to start even though it is expected to be completed by February 2029 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,954.53 crore.
Additionally, the second route, measuring 15.7 km from Vanaz to Ramwadi, is also fully operational. Last month, the Central Government approved its extension on both ends — connecting Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi. These two extended elevated corridors will span 12.75 km and include 13 stations, linking fast-developing suburbs such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is scheduled for completion within four years at an estimated cost of Rs 3636.24 crore.
Meanwhile, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is developing the Metro Line-3, which will span 23 km from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar District Court. This line is expected to start operations by March 2026.
Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast.
Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste.
Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter.
Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More