Pune Metro Expansion: PMRDA Initiates Feasibility Study for Vital Common Metro Stretch
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Public Transportation
Pune – The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is embarking on a significant step towards enhancing public transportation in Pune by initiating a feasibility study for a common metro stretch. This stretch encompasses the corridors between Swargate and Hadapsar, as well as Kharadi and Khadakwasla. To undertake this vital study, PMRDA will appoint a transition advisor (TA) to work in partnership with the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro).
PMRDA has recently received a detailed project report (DPR) from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for Pune Metro Line 4, which spans from Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor, including a spur to Saswad and Swargate. Simultaneously, Maha-Metro has submitted its own DPR for Pune Metro Line 5, connecting Khadakwasla to Kharadi.
This collaborative endeavor has the support of the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA), a 20-member body chaired by the Pune divisional commissioner. PUMTA is committed to upgrading the existing public transport system and has tasked PMRDA with conducting a comprehensive financial feasibility assessment of the proposed metro lines.
Rinaj Pathan, superintendent engineer at PMRDA Metro, stated, “In order to advance the development process, we have initiated a request for proposal (RFP) for Metro Lines 4 and 5, following a PPP (public-private partnership)/EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) model. The transition advisory role also encompasses revenue estimations, cost assessments, and the preparation of financial appraisals and tender documents.”
Atul Gadgil, director (work) at Maha-Metro, emphasized that both organizations have submitted their respective DPRs to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He added, “A thorough evaluation of the financial feasibility of the common metro stretch is a crucial step before making the final decision.”
Maha-Metro, a collaborative venture between the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, along with PMRDA, has made substantial contributions to the overall development of metro rail networks. Their established financial plans for various phases of expansion entail costs amounting to several thousand crores.
This latest initiative aims to streamline public transportation by ensuring that the metro lines are developed in a financially sustainable manner, benefiting both the government and the citizens of Pune.
