August 15, 2023: Pune’s Metro Project Progresses as MahaMetro Aims to Wrap Up Remaining Corridor Segments
Pune’s metro expansion continues to gather momentum as the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) focuses on completing the outstanding sections of two essential metro corridors. Following the recent inauguration of services on two segments on August 1, MahaMetro is swiftly moving towards finalizing the metro lines connecting Ramwadi and Swargate.
Ramwadi and Swargate represent the terminal stations for two metro corridors, with parts of the network already operational since last year. The initial segments, PCMC-Phugewadi and Vanaz-Garware College, were launched on March 6, 2022. Subsequently, on August 1 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two more stretches, Phugewadi-Civil Court and Garware College-Ruby Hall, during his Pune visit.
The pending completion of these metro corridor sections will enable commuters to travel extended routes from Vanaz to Ramwadi and PCMC to Swargate. The new services to Ramwadi and Swargate will significantly extend the metro network from 24km to 33km, considerably enhancing Pune’s public transportation system.
MahaMetro is making concentrated efforts to expedite the remaining projects, with the target of completing the Bund Garden to Ramwadi section by October and the Civil Court to Swargate stretch by December.
While the Ruby Hall-Ramwadi stretch operates above ground with stations like Bund Garden, Yerawada, Kalyaninagar, and Nagar Road, the Civil Court-Swargate section operates underground, including key stations in Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate.
MahaMetro officials emphasized that the elevated stretch to Ramwadi is expected to conclude earlier due to its nature. Underground sections pose more intricate challenges and consequently require more time for completion.
Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Public Relations at MahaMetro, highlighted that safety certifications will be diligently pursued before extending operations to the new sections.
Regular commuters are enthusiastic about the extended metro services to Swargate and Ramwadi, envisioning increased passenger usage. Kasba Peth resident Satish Agarwal mentioned the convenience of Swargate’s central hub, offering easy access to outstation buses through the metro.
Considering future enhancements, IT professional Ashwin Rane from the Nagar Road area suggested extending the metro network to areas like Kharadi and Wagholi, ensuring even more comprehensive connectivity for residents.
