Pune’s integrated public transport network takes a significant step forward today with the launch of the Khadki Metro Station, bringing seamless rail-metro connectivity to thousands of commuters across the city. Located along the bustling Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate corridor, the newly commissioned station promises smoother, faster, and more sustainable mobility for residents of Khadki, Aundh, Range Hills, and adjoining areas.
The station, which officially opens its gates on Saturday, 21st June, has been strategically positioned beside the existing Khadki Railway Station. This proximity enables direct interchange between Pune Metro and the Indian Railways suburban network, a move expected to significantly reduce transfer times and travel burdens for daily passengers. A dedicated ramp and clear signages have been installed to ensure the movement between both transit modes remains uninterrupted and accessible for all, including the elderly and differently-abled. Officials from MahaMetro confirmed that train services on the Purple Line (PCMC to Swargate) have been updated to include a halt at Khadki Metro Station from today. The integration was finalised after receiving mandatory clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, following a comprehensive safety audit earlier this week. The launch addresses a critical connectivity gap that had persisted since other stations along the corridor began operations in 2024.
The benefits of the new station are set to reach well beyond Khadki itself. Areas like Pune University, Aundh, Mula Road, Khadki Bazaar, Khadki Cantonment, Ordnance Factory Hospital, and Range Hill will now have faster, more convenient access to both metro and rail systems. For many commuters, what used to be a disjointed, multi-leg journey involving rickshaws and buses has now been streamlined into a single, efficient transition. Transport experts have lauded the opening as a key milestone in Pune’s urban mobility roadmap. By improving intermodal access and offering a viable alternative to car and two-wheeler usage, the Khadki Metro Station plays a crucial role in reducing vehicular congestion and associated emissions. The expansion is aligned with the city’s broader goal of fostering a zero net carbon transport environment while ensuring equitable access to public infrastructure.
The introduction of this station also reflects Pune’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable city planning. With step-free access, ramps, and dedicated pedestrian zones connecting metro and rail platforms, the station ensures gender-neutral and mobility-friendly infrastructure for commuters from all walks of life. This is especially critical for elderly passengers, students, healthcare workers, and service sector employees who rely on punctual, affordable, and safe transportation. Feeder connectivity to the new station is also expected to see immediate impact. The Pune Metro currently operates over 20 feeder routes across the city, and transport officials are actively working on enhancing last-mile connectivity to and from Khadki. Citizens have requested more buses, particularly electric and mid-size vehicles, that are synchronised with peak-hour metro arrivals. The integration of feeder services will be a major focus over the coming weeks.
The city’s urban planners are hopeful that Khadki’s success will serve as a blueprint for other metro-rail integrations across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Upcoming expansions under Pune Metro Phase 2—which includes links to Pune Airport, Kharadi, and Khadakwasla—are already being designed with multimodal connectivity at their core. Meanwhile, the under-construction Range Hill Metro Station, located close to Khadki, is expected to open by early 2026, further enhancing transit access in the northern corridor. While the metro project has faced delays in the past, particularly due to land acquisition and regulatory clearances, today’s commissioning underscores the city’s ability to deliver on its infrastructure promises. The public response to new metro links has been overwhelmingly positive, with daily ridership numbers steadily increasing. Officials believe the opening of Khadki will not only boost ridership but also reduce pressure on major traffic corridors such as Ganeshkhind Road and Old Mumbai-Pune Highway.
Environmental sustainability remains a central theme. The Pune Metro, powered partially by renewable energy, is equipped with regenerative braking systems and energy-efficient station designs. With Khadki now open, more residents will have the option to switch from fossil-fuel-based private vehicles to a cleaner mode of travel, reducing Pune’s overall carbon footprint. As the first trains stop at the new station today, there is palpable excitement among local residents and commuters. For many, the launch of Khadki Metro Station is not just about convenience—it is about being connected to the city in a meaningful, affordable, and sustainable way. From healthcare access to educational institutions and daily office commutes, the station is set to improve quality of life across multiple urban layers.
With its doors now open, Khadki Metro Station is more than a transit point—it is a symbol of Pune’s evolving urban future. One that prioritises access, equity, and the environment. The journey ahead for Pune’s mobility landscape is long, but today marks an important station along the way.
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