Uncertainty Looms Over Project Execution as Two Entities Vie for Metro Line Extension
The fate of the proposed metro extension from Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor remains undecided as the Pune Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) grapples with determining which organization – Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) or Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) – will spearhead the project.
The PMRDA has presented a feasibility report for extending the metro line, leaving the decision in limbo. While the Maha-Metro has shown interest in the project, doubts persist regarding the execution model and project viability.
The PMRDA, in collaboration with the Tata Group under a public-private partnership (PPP), is currently developing the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro line, with plans to extend it to Loni Kalbhor and Swargate. Meanwhile, Maha-Metro has proposed an alternative route passing through key areas like Swargate, Hadapsar, and Loni Kalbhor as part of its Pune Metro project under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) framework.
The PMRDA’s initiative to evaluate the feasibility of the extensions under a PPP model has sparked discussions, with conflicting reports from various agencies regarding the project’s viability. While the transaction advisor appointed by PMRDA suggests feasibility under the PPP model, concerns raised by Maha-Metro and other agencies add layers of complexity to the decision-making process.
The looming question of infrastructure compatibility between PMRDA’s third rail system and Maha-Metro’s overhead equipment system further complicates matters, raising concerns about future connectivity and expansion plans.
As stakeholders navigate through these challenges, PUMTA is expected to deliberate on the issue post-Lok Sabha elections. However, the decision will require careful consideration to ensure the seamless execution of the metro extension project while addressing concerns related to funding, technology, and long-term sustainability.
