Pune Metro expansion gets approval with revised cost and new stations
Pune has taken a decisive step towards reshaping its urban mobility landscape with the state government approving the expansion of the city’s metro network. The project, which had faced repeated delays, will now extend the Vanaz–Ramwadi line westwards to Chandni Chowk and eastwards to Wagholi, with two additional stations cleared on the underground Swargate–Katraj stretch. Officials have positioned the expansion as a transformative initiative to cut congestion and offer commuters a faster, cleaner, and more sustainable travel option.
The revised project cost has been pegged at ₹3,626.24 crore, a reduction from the earlier estimate of ₹3,756.58 crore. According to transport officials, this downward revision was achieved without compromising on infrastructure quality, signalling, or passenger safety features. The funding model is a shared effort: the state and central governments will contribute ₹479.71 crore each, while loans worth nearly ₹1,867 crore will be secured from bilateral and multilateral agencies.
The city corporation has committed a nominal sum, while the state has pledged ₹656 crore as interest-free support for land acquisition and rehabilitation.Industry experts note that Pune’s metro expansion comes at a critical juncture when the city grapples with worsening air pollution and gridlocked roads. With rapid urban growth and rising private vehicle dependency, the pressure on Pune’s limited road infrastructure has intensified. Metro connectivity, they argue, is not just about convenience but a necessary intervention for public health and environmental sustainability.
Officials of the metro corporation confirmed that the project will incorporate modern facilities, including advanced signalling systems, platform screen doors, and robust cyber security measures. Integration with other transport modes is expected to make commuting seamless and encourage more residents to shift from cars and two-wheelers to public transport.The new stretches to Chandni Chowk and Wagholi are expected to serve thousands of daily commuters, significantly reducing travel time across key corridors of the city. The addition of Balajinagar and Bibwewadi stations on the underground route will improve access for underserved localities, ensuring the metro system benefits a broader cross-section of Pune’s residents.
Transport planners highlight that the project aligns with India’s broader climate commitments by promoting mass transit systems that lower carbon footprints. As cities worldwide confront the challenge of sustainable mobility, Pune’s metro expansion stands out as a forward-looking investment in building equitable, green, and liveable urban spaces.While the completion timelines are yet to be officially outlined, the clearance of costs and funding models provides fresh momentum to a project long awaited by citizens. For Pune, the expansion represents more than infrastructure it is a promise of a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future in urban transit.
