Pune Metro plans four new corridors in second phase, targets five years at Rs 13,500 crore

The plan to expand the metro in Pune has entered a new phase. Four new corridors have been proposed to take the network to the eastern, western and southern parts of the city. Maha Metro has set a five-year timeline for completing this second phase, and its estimated cost is about Rs 13,500 crore.

The expansion aims to connect residential areas, business centres and emerging localities that still depend largely on roads. The four corridors will take the existing network towards Chandni Chowk, Vitthalwadi, Kharadi, Khadakwasla and Manik Baug.

The announcement comes right after the inauguration of Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3, also known as the Pink Line, which is 23 km long. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the corridor virtually on November 3, adding another major route to Pune's public transport.

The second phase includes some extensions and some entirely new corridors. They are expected to make it easier to reach areas where residential and commercial construction has grown rapidly.

Vanaz-Chandni Chowk (Line 2A) is a 1.12-km extension. It will add two stations to the existing Aqua Line. Metro service will extend towards Chandni Chowk and connectivity in western Pune will be strengthened.

Ramwadi-Vitthalwadi (Line 2B) will be 11.63 km long with five stations. This extension will take the network towards Wagholi and other developing areas in the eastern part of the city.

Khadakwasla-Kharadi (Line 4) will be the longest of the four proposed routes, at 25.52 km, with 22 stations. It is planned to connect Khadakwasla and Sinhagad Road with Swargate, Hadapsar, Magarpatta and Kharadi, creating a major cross-city link.

Nal Stop-Manik Baug (Line 4A) is a 6.12-km stretch. It will provide additional connectivity towards Warje and Manik Baug, linking these areas to the larger metro system.

The work is not limited to laying track and building stations. Elevated structures will have to be built for the new corridors, and road layouts will also have to be changed.

Shravan Hardikar, managing director of Maha Metro, said the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) will handle some of the proposed infrastructure work. On the Paud Road-Karve Road stretch, Maha Metro will itself build a structure.

The Khadakwasla-Kharadi corridor will run along the existing road for most of its route. Coordination will therefore be necessary between the agencies handling metro construction and road infrastructure.

With the five-year target, the second phase could considerably extend the reach of Pune Metro. More areas would get an alternative to roads that grow more crowded by the day.