The Pune Metro’s PCMC to Nigdi extension route, which received central government approval on December 10, 2023, will experience a temporary halt due to the Palkhi procession. This project, spanning 4.519 kilometres and with an estimated cost of ₹910.18 crore, aims to enhance connectivity within the region. The extension route’s viaduct work is a significant focus of the tender, and the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro) aims to complete the project within three years and three months.
Following the lifting of the Lok Sabha election code of conduct, the Pune Metro initiated soil testing and utility identification work on the PCMC to Nigdi route. However, a directive from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has necessitated a pause in these activities from June 25 to July 1 to accommodate the Palkhi procession. According to a Pune Metro official, the foundation work is set to commence shortly, but it will not interfere with the procession.
The extension route, when completed, will feature four stations: Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Bhakti Shakti Chowk. These stations are strategically placed to improve urban connectivity and ease commuter movement within the region. The distances between the stations are meticulously planned: 1.463 km between PCMC and Chinchwad, 1.651 km between Chinchwad and Akurdi, 1.062 km between Akurdi and Nigdi, and 975 metres between Nigdi and Bhakti Shakti Chowk.
The project’s tendering process for the construction of three metro stations was finalised while the election code of conduct was in place. With the regulatory constraints now lifted, the soil testing work has commenced in earnest. The Maha-Metro’s objective is to complete the extension within 130 weeks of receiving the approval letter, a timeline that underscores the project’s ambitious nature.
The temporary suspension of work for the Palkhi procession is a measure to ensure smooth conduct of the culturally significant event without causing disruptions. This careful consideration of local traditions alongside infrastructural advancements exemplifies the balanced approach taken by the authorities in implementing large-scale urban development projects.
As the PCMC to Nigdi metro extension progresses, it is poised to significantly boost the region’s transport infrastructure, offering improved connectivity and reduced travel time for residents. The ongoing efforts and meticulous planning signal a promising enhancement to Pune’s urban mobility landscape, ensuring that the city’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive.
