Pune Metro Nigdi To Chakan DPR Submitted For Major Expansion
Pune Metro’s long-anticipated northern expansion has taken a decisive step forward, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Nigdi–Chakan corridor formally submitted to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The proposed 35–40 kilometre stretch is poised to transform public transport connectivity in the industrial belt, linking residential neighbourhoods, IT hubs, and major manufacturing zones.
According to officials, the new corridor will extend the Bhakti-Shakti to Nigdi line directly to Chakan, one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing industrial clusters. This expansion is projected to connect nearly 75 percent of Pimpri Chinchwad’s population to the metro network, offering much-needed respite from persistent road congestion in the city’s rapidly urbanising zones.The proposed alignment includes strategic stops in densely populated residential hubs such as Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, and Pimple Gurav, as well as key commercial nodes in Bhosari and Chakan. With major junctions planned at Nashik Phata and Bhakti-Shakti, the route will enable seamless transfers between industrial, educational, and residential sectors, strengthening integration with Pune city’s broader transit network.
MahaMetro officials highlighted that the corridor is designed to meet the region’s dual demands supporting sustainable urban mobility while enabling industrial efficiency. “This route is vital for balanced urban growth, industrial logistics, and commuter convenience,” said an official. The alignment is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and contribute to lower vehicular emissions.The DPR, now in the hands of PCMC, must secure a sequence of approvalsfrom the municipal general body to the state government and finally the central government. The review and sanction process is expected to take between 12 to 18 months. Once sanctioned, construction could begin almost immediately, officials confirmed.
Urban transport experts believe the Nigdi-Chakan metro link could significantly improve regional economic competitiveness. Chakan’s industrial belt houses global automotive and manufacturing facilities, while Wakad and Pimple Saudagar have emerged as IT and residential hotspots. A metro link promises faster workforce mobility, reduced traffic pressure on arterial roads, and improved air quality critical considerations for a city with swelling population density.For Pimpri Chinchwad’s 3 million-plus residents, the project represents more than a transport upgrade it is an investment in the city’s liveability. As Maharashtra continues to expand its metro footprint, integrating industrial corridors into the public transport grid is being seen as an essential step toward building greener, more inclusive, and economically resilient cities.While the approvals process is yet to conclude, the Nigdi–Chakan corridor signals a decisive shift in Pimpri Chinchwad’s mobility strategy one that prioritises connectivity, sustainability, and urban equity.
