Pune Metro Receives Rs 839 Crore for Nigdi and Katraj Extensions in 2025-26
Pune’s metro connectivity is set to take a giant leap forward with the Maharashtra government’s recent allocation of Rs 838.96 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This financial boost will primarily fund the ongoing and planned extensions of the city’s metro network, including the long-awaited PCMC-Nigdi and Swargate-Katraj routes. Additionally, the funds will support the completion of remaining sections of phase-1, ensuring that the metro project continues to gain momentum in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
With this substantial allocation, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) is well-positioned to accelerate construction on key metro stretches across Pune and its neighbouring city, Pimpri-Chinchwad. The funds will be disbursed in phases based on the progress of the ongoing works, with contributions from both the Union government and the state. The announcement of the funds comes at a pivotal time for Pune’s metro network, which saw significant progress in 2024. In October 2024, the full opening of the PCMC-Swargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi routes marked a milestone in the project. However, work is still ongoing at Khadki and Range Hills stations, with the Pimpri-Nigdi extension already seeing ground-breaking activity. In addition, officials expect the groundwork for the Swargate-Katraj underground route to begin in the next two to three months. The Pimpri-Nigdi extension is expected to be completed within the next two and a half years, further expanding Pune’s metro network and enhancing connectivity for commuters across the city and surrounding areas. This extension is crucial for improving north-south connectivity, complementing the east-west routes already operational.
Despite the success of the new routes, there is a growing demand from commuters for better last-mile connectivity. Pune residents, such as Santosh Sakhare from Nagar Road, have suggested that a portion of the funds be directed towards procuring midi buses that can connect metro stations to nearby residential areas. This would make it easier for passengers to complete their journeys, especially for those living on shorter routes. Maha Metro has taken these concerns into account and is prioritising enhancements in last-mile connectivity. The corporation is also pushing for the quicker completion of studies for newly proposed metro routes, which would further improve accessibility and convenience for passengers.
In addition to metro expansions, the Maharashtra government has also allocated funds for Pune’s environmental and infrastructure projects. A notable allocation is Rs 230 crore for the Mula-Mutha pollution abatement project for the fiscal year 2025-26. This funding, combined with a Rs 990.26 crore loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will support the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) across the city. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has already secured close to Rs 300 crore in funding for this project, with an additional Rs 100 crore expected shortly. These funds will help accelerate the work on STPs, with the goal of sanctioning ten new plants by December 2025. These initiatives are part of Pune’s broader strategy to improve its environmental health and urban infrastructure.
As Pune continues to grow, the Rs 839 crore allocation for the metro network will play a crucial role in transforming the city’s public transportation system. The upcoming extensions will not only ease commuting for daily passengers but also reduce congestion, promote sustainable urban mobility, and contribute to the city’s overall development. Although there have been delays in 2024, PMC officials are optimistic that with the continued flow of funds, Pune will meet its ambitious infrastructure goals in the coming months. As the metro network expands and environmental projects progress, the city is well on its way to becoming a modern, well-connected urban hub, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
