The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the direct connection of all four existing metro routes to the Pune Lohegaon Airport.
This initiative follows a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) convened at Pune International Airport. The committee’s discussions highlighted the growing need for seamless connectivity between the city’s key transport infrastructure and the airport, which plays a central role in the region’s aviation and tourism sectors. The decision to connect the metro lines to the airport is a critical part of Pune’s long-term urban planning goals. With the city’s population surpassing six million, and the wider district now home to over 10 million people, the demand for better connectivity is only set to rise. The project aims to streamline the movement of people from various parts of the city and neighbouring areas, such as Pimpri-Chinchwad, directly to the airport. This will further integrate Pune’s metro network with its expanding transportation hubs, reducing travel time and boosting the efficiency of the city’s public transport system.
According to officials, the four metro routes currently under operation will soon be extended to include the Lohegaon Airport, one of the busiest air travel hubs in the region. The routes in question include the Nigdi to Swargate corridor, the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar line, and the Vanaz to Ramwadi segment. This comprehensive connectivity will provide easy access for both local commuters and those arriving from nearby districts, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. This initiative is seen as a significant step in the development of Pune’s public infrastructure. During the meeting, officials pointed out that the integration of metro services with the airport would drastically reduce congestion, especially during peak travel hours. The project, if successfully executed, could also promote more sustainable modes of transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles and curbing carbon emissions in line with the city’s goal of becoming an eco-friendly urban centre.
The discussion also delved into the technicalities of the project, which will be managed by Maha-Metro in collaboration with the PMC. The civic body has been given the responsibility of preparing the DPR, while Maha-Metro will oversee the implementation of the plan. This step underscores the importance of cooperative governance between local and regional authorities in addressing infrastructure gaps. Officials emphasised the need for strategic planning, especially given the future growth projections for the city. In a related development, the committee also focused on improving the airport’s overall infrastructure. Pune Airport officials have proposed an extension of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, thus allowing the airport to handle increased passenger traffic. A key part of the discussions involved the integration of metro connectivity with other transport networks. This includes road infrastructure designed to separate airport-bound traffic from local city traffic, enhancing both accessibility and safety in the airport’s vicinity.
The improvement of connectivity at Pune Airport is not limited to metro services. The committee also discussed several other priorities, including expanding terminal facilities and enhancing the operational capabilities of the airport. There are plans to transform the arrivals area of the old terminal building into a larger check-in area to cater to increasing passenger numbers. Moreover, the issue of wildlife hazards near the airport was also addressed, with officials stressing the need for better coordination with local authorities to mitigate risks. These developments come at a time when Pune is looking to bolster its position as a leading business, tourism, and education hub in Maharashtra. The city has been rapidly expanding, and its transport infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing demands. By enhancing airport connectivity, Pune aims to improve its image as a modern, interconnected city, well equipped to meet the demands of both locals and international visitors.
Further discussions about the future of the Purandar Airport project also featured in the meeting. As part of the state’s efforts to strengthen Maharashtra’s aviation sector, land acquisition for the new Purandar Airport is already underway, facilitated by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The development of this new airport is expected to provide additional capacity to serve Pune’s growing aviation needs, especially as the city and its surrounding districts continue to expand. The ongoing efforts to improve Pune’s transport infrastructure reflect the city’s commitment to ensuring that its development is sustainable, efficient, and aligned with the needs of its growing population. By linking all metro routes to the airport, Pune is not only enhancing its connectivity but also making strides towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future. The integration of modern transport systems with the city’s airport network is set to make Pune a model for other rapidly growing cities across India.
