Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Mahametro) have jointly proposed the construction of parallel metro lines, aiming to enhance the region’s transportation network. To ensure economic viability and streamline the development process, both organizations have collaborated on project development plans. In a significant move, PMRDA has taken the lead in appointing a consultant to evaluate the profitability of these metro lines, a crucial step in determining which entity will undertake their construction.
PMRDA has put forward plans for metro routes connecting Shivajinagar to Lonikalbhor and Swargate to Saswad. These plans were developed in consultation with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Meanwhile, Mahametro has proposed the Khadakwasla to Kharadi route, encompassing multiple stages, from Khadakwasla to Swargate, Swargate to Hadapsar, Hadapsar to Kharadi, and Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor. The development plan for this route was created by a private consultancy firm. Both PMRDA and Mahametro have submitted their respective proposals to the Municipal Corporation.
Notably, the proposed metro routes by PMRDA and Mahametro share common segments, particularly up to Swargate-Poolgate-Hadapsar, with extensions to Loni Kalbhor, resulting in overlapping plans for these routes.
During a Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) meeting, divisional commissioners recommended that a single organization should oversee the convergence of these metro routes. PMRDA was tasked with appointing a consultant to assess the economic feasibility of this venture, with the potential for Public Private Partnership (PPP) involvement. PMRDA has now taken the crucial step of selecting a consultant responsible for evaluating the financial viability of the metro lines and exploring additional revenue sources.
Atul Gadgil, Director (Works) at Mahametro, clarified, “Both Mahametro and PMRDA have prepared project development plans for two similar metro lines. It was decided in the PUMTA meeting that only one organization will handle this project. PMRDA will decide whether to undertake this work after assessing the financial feasibility. If they opt not to proceed, Mahametro will take charge.”
The proposal suggests that Mahametro should oversee the metro line from Swargate to Pulgate, extending it from Ramwadi to Magarpatta. PMRDA would then be responsible for the metro lines to Loni Kalbhor and Saswad. The appointment of a consultant is a critical step to determine the financial viability of these routes, with the final decision contingent on the findings.
Rinaj Pathan, Superintending Engineer at PMRDA, stressed, “The financial feasibility of these routes will be evaluated by appointing a consultant. Only then will a final decision be made.”
