The anticipated plan to extend the metro line to Pune Airport by connecting it to the Vanaz-Ramwadi line appears to face significant challenges, leaving the realization of this project uncertain. Despite long-standing demands and suggestions for expanding the metro route to Pune Airport, it has become evident that obstacles in infrastructure and planning may hinder the realization of this envisioned extension.
The Pune Metropolitan Area Development Authority (PMRDA) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in collaboration with Mahametro, have initiated the implementation of three metro lines. The current construction between Vanaz and Ramwadi, guided by Delhi Metro’s route plan, has been progressing. However, the prospect of extending the metro line to Pune Airport now seems minimal, according to recent evaluations.
Mahametro is currently reviewing the Comprehensive Transport Plan (CMP) prepared by PMRDA, and certain crucial points have been highlighted in this assessment. The feasibility of extending the existing Vanaz to Ramwadi Metro line to Pune Airport has been emphasized as unlikely due to the absence of considerations for such an extension in the further development of the current route.
To construct a metro route to Pune Airport, the ongoing work on the Vanaz-Ramwadi line will need to be halted. The existing infrastructure will have to be demolished and redesigned to accommodate the proposed extension, a process estimated to take a minimum of one and a half to two years. A strategic decision from the Maharashtra State government and PMC will be necessary for this purpose.
As the proposal to extend the metro to Pune Airport remains on paper, the multitude of challenges involved, including infrastructure and planning obstacles, has cast doubt on its feasibility. Alternative routes will likely need to be explored, and the ongoing review of the CMP plan by Mahametro may offer an opportunity to consider these aspects and explore viable alternatives.
