The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has marked a significant milestone with the commencement of foundation work for the first pier on the Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi stretch of the Pune Metro.
This crucial development began with the casting of pier No. 512 at the Annabhau Sathe PMPML Bus Stop, near Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, at 12 pm on Saturday. This milestone was achieved after meticulous soil investigations and necessary checks. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) commissioner Shekhar Singh, along with MahaMetro MD Shravan Hardikar, director of works Atul Gadgil, director of systems and operations Vinod Agrawal, executive director of administration and PR Dr. Hemant Sonawane, and other officials from Mahametro, PCMC, and PMPML were present to witness the commencement of the work. This elevated viaduct, spanning 4.5 km from Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi (Bhakti Shakti Chowk) on the north-south corridor of the Pune Metro Rail Project, is a major infrastructure project awarded to Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) at a cost of Rs 339 crore. The project is expected to be completed within 130 weeks and will feature four stations: Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Bhakti-Shakti. The viaduct construction will involve 1,181 segments and 151 spans.
Phase-1 of the Pune Metro aims to enhance public transport usage and increase ridership, serving various needs within the industrially significant PCMC area, often referred to as ‘India’s motor city’ due to its concentration of automotive and associated MSMEs. The extension line will connect key areas: Chinchwad station will serve commercial, residential, industrial, and religious places; Akurdi station will cater to residential, educational, and industrial zones; Nigdi and Bhakti-Shakti stations will serve residential, entertainment, and religious locations, integrating them with the city bus depot to connect semi-urban areas such as Dehu, Chikhali, Talegaon, and Vadgaon. There is significant movement of people between Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune, and this new metro section will benefit many travelling from suburban areas, enhancing connectivity to eastern, western, southern, and central parts of Pune. Feeder services, including buses, rickshaws, e-rickshaws, bicycles, and e-bikes, will be aligned with these metro stations through route rationalisation based on commuter volume. Pune Metro will also integrate multi-modal transit systems seamlessly, ensuring efficient travel.
The new metro line is expected to improve movement, reduce commute time, and provide safe, timely, cost-saving, and environment-friendly travel, thus enhancing the quality of life for residents. Pimpri-Chinchwad is a thriving urban hub, experiencing rapid industrial growth in the automobile and IT sectors, attracting major companies. The city’s infrastructure includes well-planned road networks, connectivity via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the upcoming metro links. The Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi stretch connects industrial and residential zones, featuring top educational institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, commercial centres, shopping malls, and well-planned residential complexes. The Nigdi bus stand and the forthcoming metro line enhance connectivity, making it a vital transport hub. Recreational spaces like Bhakti Shakti Park, cultural events, and proximity to industrial zones add to its appeal.
PCMC commissioner Shekhar Singh remarked, “Work on the Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi extended Metro line is starting today. This route will connect major residential areas, factories, schools, and colleges in the region. The PCMC will provide all possible assistance to ensure the successful completion of this project.” Pune Metro has made the necessary arrangements to ensure the project is completed within the specified timeframe, reflecting a significant step forward in enhancing the city’s infrastructure and public transportation network.
