The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the construction of pillars for the Swargate to Khadakwasla extension of the Pune Metro’s phase 2, under the vigilant supervision of Pune Metro authorities. This move is aimed at streamlining the much-anticipated metro expansion and mitigating potential delays and redundancies.
Sinhagad Road, a critical artery in Pune, is currently witnessing a flurry of construction activity. In addition to the metro extension, the PMC is erecting a flyover to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion along this busy thoroughfare. Notably, the construction of the Rajaram Bridge to Fun Time Multiplex flyover is more than 70% complete, demonstrating significant progress in enhancing the city’s infrastructure.
For the Swargate-Khadakwasla metro extension, Pune Metro has planned the installation of 106 pillars along Sinhagad Road. Of these, 39 pillars will be strategically positioned along the Rajaram Bridge to Fun Time Multiplex segment. Despite pending approvals from both state and central governments, the PMC and Pune Metro have collectively decided to commence the construction of these pillars, prioritising efficiency, and avoiding future duplications in effort and resources.
Ajay Wayse, executive engineer of the PMC project department, said, “The Pune Metro has requested the PMC to construct 39 foundation piers. They have handed over the drawing of the piers and as per the design, we have started the work.”
Atul Gadgil, director (works), Pune Metro, said, “The PMC is conducting the work under the supervision of the Pune Metro. We have approved the design and structure of the metro pillars. It will help ease work and people will not face problems when the actual metro work begins. We will pay the PMC later.”
This decisive action follows the PMC’s approval of phase 2 of the Pune Metro in July last year. According to the detailed project report (DPR) for the Hadapsar to Khadakwasla metro line, the project is projected to cost ₹8,565 crores. The comprehensive route will encompass 22 stations, facilitating extensive urban connectivity. Initially, this metro line was to be co-managed by Maha-Metro and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). However, following recommendations from the Pune Unified Urban Transport Authority (PUMTA), it was resolved that Maha-Metro would independently oversee the project.
The envisaged metro route will traverse from Khadakwasla to Sinhagad Road, progressing to Swargate, Shankar Sheth Road, Ram Manohar Lohia Udyan, Mundhwa Chowk, and culminating at Kharadi. This entirely elevated line is set to run alongside prominent stretches such as the main Sinhagad Road, providing seamless transit from opposite Saras Baug to Ganesh Kala Krida Manch via Jedhe Chowk and Shankar Sheth Road. The commencement of pillar construction marks a pivotal step in Pune’s urban development, promising enhanced transportation infrastructure and improved mobility for the city’s residents.
