Pune Metro Rail Phase 2 Approved: Enhancing Urban Connectivity

New Delhi, June 25 (PTI) — The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to Phase 2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. This phase involves the construction of two elevated corridors, stretching a distance of 12.75 km, with a financial commitment of ₹3,626 crore. The approved corridors include Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi, extensions of the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi route from Phase 1. The initiative, comprising 13 stations, aims to enhance connectivity for rapidly growing suburbs such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is slated for completion in four years, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The project cost, amounting to ₹3,626.24 crore, will be equally shared by the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and external bilateral or multilateral agencies. Minister Vaishnaw stated that this proposal is a strategic extension of Corridor-2, aligning with the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) to reinforce the East–West mass transit corridor from Chandani Chowk to Wagholi.

The expanded metro rail will serve diverse areas, including IT hubs, commercial zones, educational institutions, and residential areas, thereby boosting public transport utilization and network ridership. Seamless multimodal urban travel will be facilitated through integration with the District Court Interchange Station, which connects Line-1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line-3 (Hinjewadi–District Court).

In alignment with long-term mobility strategies, intercity bus services from regions such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahilya Nagar, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will interface at Chandani Chowk and Wagholi, allowing smooth interchange with Pune's Metro system. Such integration promises to decongest major routes like Paud Road and Nagar Road and provide safe, rapid, and environmentally sustainable travel options.

Projected incremental daily rides for Line-2 are expected to rise substantially, with estimations at 96,000 in 2027, 201,000 in 2037, 287,000 in 2047, and 349,000 in 2057. The implementation responsibility falls on Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), tasked with executing all civil, electro-mechanical, and related works. Preliminary activities such as topographical surveys and detailed design consultancy are already underway.

This expansion is anticipated to unlock Pune's economic potential significantly, improving its urban transport infrastructure and supporting sustainable and inclusive growth throughout the metropolitan area, according to Minister Vaishnaw.

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