The long-awaited and much-anticipated metro extension from Pimpri to Nigdi is on the verge of becoming a reality, bringing joy and relief to the residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Shiv Sena MP from Maval, Shrirang Barne, recently revealed that Union Urban Development Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, has given assurances of granting approval for the metro proposal within the next seven days.
The state government has already forwarded the proposal for extending the metro line to the central government. In a meeting with Minister Puri on Thursday, MP Barne passionately discussed the significance of the proposed metro expansion up to Nigdi and sought the minister’s expeditious approval.
Pimpri-Chinchwad has undergone rapid urbanization in the past two decades, witnessing a substantial increase in its population from 17 lakhs in 2011 to 25 lakhs presently. The projected population is expected to reach 30 lakhs by 2028 and 39 lakhs by 2038. With such significant population growth and the corresponding demand for enhanced transportation infrastructure, citizens from Akurdi, Chinchwad, and Nigdi areas have been advocating for the extension of the metro line.
A revised project report (DPR) was already submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Civil Affairs on 25th February 2022, detailing the proposed extension’s route and an estimated cost of Rs 910 crore. The financial burden for the extended metro route will be equally shared between the central government and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
The proposed route stretches across four kilometers, and if promptly approved, the construction work up to Nigdi can be completed within the specified timeframe. Minister Puri’s commitment to providing the necessary approval within seven days has instilled optimism among the residents and leaders like MP Barne, who firmly believe that the dream of having a metro line running till Nigdi is on the brink of fulfillment.
