In a major financial injection for Pune’s growth, the Union budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 has allocated significant funds for crucial projects, earmarking Rs 814.49 crore for the Pune Metro and Rs 689.59 crore for the Mula-Mutha river pollution abatement initiative.
The impending completion of Phase 1 of the Pune Metro marks a pivotal moment, with services from Shivajinagar to Swargate expected to commence by the end of the financial year. Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Pune Metro rail, expressed appreciation, stating, “The Union government’s allocation of funds, considering the progress of Phase 1 construction, amounts to Rs 814.49 crore for Pune Metro from the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan.” The EIB’s commitment of EUR 600 million, supporting the construction of two Phase 1 lines and the acquisition of 102 modern Metro cars, underscores the strategic investment in Pune’s public transportation infrastructure.
The Pune Metro project encompasses 33.2 km of tracks, incorporating both above and below-ground sections, featuring 30 stations, and is anticipated to significantly enhance the city’s public transportation network.
Concurrently, the Union government has acknowledged the rapid advancements in the pollution abatement project for the Mula-Mutha river. Allocating Rs 689.59 crore for the upcoming financial year, the government aims to propel the ongoing initiative combatting river pollution. Jagdish Khanore, Executive Engineer of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), highlighted, “The civic body has completed 40% of the project, including the construction of 11 Sewage Treatment Plants and laying sewage lines to prevent untreated water release into the river.”
Despite initial delays, the Rs 990-crore pollution abatement project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is making significant headway. Khanore emphasized, “The commitment is to complete the project by the end of the next financial year in March 2025. The PMC has already received Rs 300 crore, and the Union government has allocated the remaining amount for the next financial year.” Additionally, PMC has requested additional funding to cover the escalated project cost, ensuring ample resources to meet the completion deadline.
