Pune: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the Pune Metro Phase-I project, expanding the Swargate to Katraj line by 5.46 kilometers.
The newly approved segment, designated as the Line-1B extension, will be an underground corridor that includes three new stations, serving key locations such as Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Balaji Nagar, and the Katraj suburbs.
This extension, a significant step towards enhancing Pune's public transportation network, is expected to be completed by February 2029.
The project carries an estimated cost of ₹2,954.53 crore, with the funding evenly split between the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and contributions from bilateral agencies.
Strategically integrated with the Swargate Multimodal Hub, which includes connections to the Metro, MSRTC, and PMPML bus services, the extension aims to provide seamless connectivity throughout Pune.
It will link the southern parts of the city with northern and other regions via the District Court interchange station, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion, reducing pollution, and offering a safer and more efficient travel option.
The new corridor will also improve access to essential urban areas, including bus stops, railway stations, recreational centers like the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Taljai Hill, shopping malls, residential neighborhoods, educational institutions, and major business districts.
The metro line is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters, particularly benefiting students, small business owners, and professionals. Ridership projections indicate that daily passengers on this line will reach 95,000 by 2027, 1.58 lakh by 2037, 1.87 lakh by 2047, and 1.97 lakh by 2057.
The project will be executed by MahaMetro, which will manage all civil, electro-mechanical, and associated works. Preparatory activities, including pre-bid procedures, are already underway, with tenders expected to be issued shortly.
This extension is anticipated to unlock significant economic potential for Pune, contributing to the city’s infrastructure development and supporting sustainable urban growth.
