Construction activity on the Pune Metro’s northern extension from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Bhakti Shakti Chowk has officially commenced, signalling a renewed push towards enhanced urban connectivity in the fast-expanding region of Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The project, part of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation’s larger vision to promote sustainable mass transit, began with the installation of a segment-launching girder at Khandoba Mal Chowk this week. The active segment construction started between piers 453 and 454, where officials confirmed four out of the 12 planned segments were successfully installed on the first day. This progress is part of a larger construction scope that includes 151 piers and 1,337 segments in total, of which over 500 have already been cast. Experts working on the project reaffirmed their commitment to timely completion, emphasising that this stretch is key to integrating residential, industrial, and transit-focused infrastructure across Pimpri-Chinchwad.
According to senior officials overseeing the corridor’s development, the extension will add four new stations—Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Bhakti Shakti. Each station has been strategically designed to serve as a critical node in the city’s expanding metro network. The corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve access to employment hubs, and cut down dependency on personal vehicles, aligning with the broader agenda of low-emission, equitable transport development. The Chinchwad Metro station will be a crucial interchange, offering convenient connectivity to Indian Railways’ services, nearby religious destinations, and industrial belts. Similarly, Akurdi station is being tailored to cater to educational institutions and manufacturing units in the area. Nigdi and Bhakti Shakti stations, located further along the corridor, are anticipated to serve as important feeder nodes for suburban routes to Dehu, Talegaon, Vadgaon, and Chikhali. These stations will also enhance last-mile connectivity through integration with city bus networks.
Officials from Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation noted that the corridor not only addresses traffic congestion in a rapidly urbanising region but also supports the state’s climate goals by prioritising electric and rail-based public transport solutions. The PCMC to Bhakti Shakti link is a crucial part of Pune’s broader metro infrastructure plan aimed at transitioning the city into a model of smart, sustainable mobility. The latest phase of construction comes at a time when cities across India are under pressure to modernise their transport infrastructure in an environmentally responsible manner. With urban populations continuing to swell and vehicle pollution rising, metro projects like Pune’s are being positioned as viable, long-term solutions to mitigate congestion, curb emissions, and promote inclusive mobility across all income groups.
Once operational, the extended corridor is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters, connecting residents to critical amenities while offering a clean, efficient, and reliable alternative to road-based travel. Officials further noted that the corridor’s design and execution are being guided by accessibility standards to ensure equitable use for all, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The construction schedule remains ambitious but realistic, and authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to streamline approvals, accelerate construction cycles, and maintain safety protocols. With work now underway on visible infrastructure such as piers and segment placement, the project’s momentum is expected to build rapidly in the coming weeks.
As the Pimpri-Chinchwad region continues to evolve into a key suburban centre of the Pune Metropolitan Region, this metro extension stands as a vital link in the transformation. More than just a transport project, it symbolises the region’s shift toward sustainable and inclusive urban growth—where efficiency, accessibility, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/pune-takes-control-of-road-repair-supplies/
