Pune Metro’s Civil Court Interchange: A Unique Convergence of Elevated and Underground Lines
Pune, 10th August 2023: The Civil Court metro station in Pune stands as a remarkable example of innovation and engineering excellence. Among the 20 stations that are currently operational for commuters, Civil Court holds the distinction of being the only station where both elevated and underground Pune Metro lines converge seamlessly. This convergence facilitates easy transfers between the two lines, making the commuters’ journeys more convenient.
Situated at a depth of 33 meters or 108 feet, the Civil Court station is not only a meeting point for the two metro lines but also one of the deepest metro stations in the country. With its unique design, the station offers a smooth transition between the elevated and underground platforms. A combination of eight lifts, 18 escalators, and staircases ensures that passengers can transfer effortlessly between the two lines.
Officials from the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) explained, “To reach the underground platform, one has to descend three floors. The underground line then travels beneath the Mutha river towards Kasba Peth, continuing after the Civil Court station.”
Spanning across 11.7 acres, the station premises feature three entry and exit points in different directions, along with a dedicated parking lot for commuters’ convenience.
Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director at MahaMetro, highlighted the station’s uniqueness, stating, “The Civil Court station has several distinctive features. Its design allows direct sunlight to illuminate the underground platform, an innovative way to harness natural light. Moreover, the station offers ample space for commuters.”
Clear signboards within the elevated and underground stations, as well as on the station premises, guide passengers on how to navigate between the two types of platforms. Upon entering the station area, passengers can purchase tickets before proceeding to either the elevated or underground sections.
The Civil Court station is also an integral part of the ongoing expansion of Pune’s metro network. It will be linked to the third metro line, connecting Shivajinagar to Hinjewadi, which is under construction by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
Urban planner Ramchandra Gohad emphasized the importance of timely completion of proposed metro routes to maximize the benefits. He mentioned, “Pune’s urban landscape will greatly benefit if the network expansion targets are achieved by 2025. The underground metro system requires less maintenance and does not disrupt road traffic.”
The station’s premises will also accommodate PMPML buses and serve as pick-up and drop-off points for aggregators and autorickshaws. Additionally, MahaMetro plans to utilize the remaining space for non-ticketing revenue generation.
The Civil Court interchange has provided a unique travel experience for many commuters. Arun Marathe, a pensioner, and his friend found the metro journey a refreshing change. “We wanted to experience the metro before it gets too crowded and chaotic,” Marathe said.
Despite the interchange’s vertical journey, Niramaya Hospital staff members Laxmi Prasad and Tanuja Nakhate found the metro staff’s assistance invaluable in navigating the transfer. “The interchange seemed overwhelming at first, but the metro staff was incredibly helpful,” they shared.
The Civil Court interchange has undoubtedly transformed the commuting experience for countless individuals, offering an efficient and convenient alternative to navigating the city’s traffic woes.
