The Central government has granted approval for the underground extension of the PCMC-Swargate metro line, extending it from Swargate to Katraj. This decision was confirmed during a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The newly approved Line-l B extension will span 5.46 kilometres and include three underground stations, strategically positioned to serve key areas such as Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Balaji Nagar, and the Katraj suburbs. This extension is expected to greatly enhance connectivity within Pune, linking several important urban centres and residential areas. Scheduled for completion by February 2029, the extension represents a substantial investment in Pune’s transportation infrastructure, with an estimated cost of ₹2,954.53 crore. The funding for this project will be evenly distributed between the Union and state governments, supplemented by contributions from bilateral agencies.
This new corridor will integrate seamlessly with the Swargate Multimodal Hub, which combines metro services with the MSRTC and PMPML bus stands. This integration is anticipated to offer comprehensive connectivity for commuters both within Pune and the broader region. Moreover, the extension is projected to alleviate road traffic congestion by improving access across various city sectors through the District Court interchange station. The corridor will link multiple bus stops, railway stations, major recreational spots such as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Taljai hillock, shopping malls, residential areas, educational institutions, and key business hubs.
Future projections indicate significant ridership growth, with daily passenger numbers expected to reach 95,000 by 2027, 158,000 by 2037, 187,000 by 2047, and 197,000 by 2057. This anticipated increase underscores the critical role this extension will play in meeting Pune’s evolving transportation needs and enhancing urban mobility.
