The much-anticipated Pune Metro extension from Pimpri to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone for the residents of Nigdi Pradhikaran who have long awaited this development. This new 4.51-kilometre extension is set to enhance connectivity and facilitate more efficient travel within the Pune metropolitan area.
Construction activities will formally start following comprehensive soil testing. The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has meticulously planned the project to ensure timely and efficient execution. According to Pimpri assembly constituency MLA, Anna Bansode, the extension is a result of persistent demands from Pradhikaran residents and sustained follow-up efforts. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar played a pivotal role in securing the project’s approval, which will soon allow Pimpri-Chinchwad residents to travel from Nigdi to Swargate via the Metro.
The Central government sanctioned the extension from Pimpri to Nigdi on October 23, 2023. Following this, MahaMetro issued a tender valued at Rs 910 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone on March 6, solidifying the project’s commencement. The route, spanning 4.519 kilometres, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 910.18 crore. MahaMetro has set an ambitious target to complete the extension within three years, translating to a construction timeline of 130 weeks from the date of approval. The route includes several key segments: 1.463 kilometres from PCMC to Chinchwad station, 1.651 kilometres from Chinchwad to Akurdi station, 1.062 kilometres from Akurdi to Nigdi station, and 975 metres from Nigdi station to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk. Planned stations along this route include Chinchwad, Akurdi, Pradhikaran, and Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, enhancing the accessibility and convenience for commuters in these areas.
Preliminary work has begun with barricading at Bhakti-Shakti Chowk and Pawale Bridge, where initial digging is already underway. MahaMetro will conduct soil tests and prepare the detailed route layout as the next steps in the project. Subsequent phases will involve the construction of pillars, as outlined by the Metro administration. This extension is poised to significantly improve urban mobility and reduce travel time for thousands of residents, supporting Pune’s broader infrastructure and urban development goals. The project’s successful execution will not only fulfill a long-standing demand but also contribute to the region’s economic and social growth. With the groundwork laid and a clear timeline in place, the Pimpri to Nigdi Metro extension is on track to become a transformative addition to Pune’s public transportation network.
