Pune is poised for a transformative upgrade in urban transit as the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro) proposes a 41-kilometre elevated metro route linking Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi to Chakan, traversing Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, and Bhosari. Once approved by the Central Government, this corridor will become the longest metro route in Pune, promising fast, comfortable, and sustainable connectivity across the Pimpri Chinchwad region and adjacent industrial hubs.
Maha-Metro officials confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the Bhakti Shakti-Wakad-Nashik Phata-Chakan line, encompassing 31 stations with an estimated project cost of Rs 10,383.89 crore. The route is designed to operate at speeds up to 80 km per hour and is projected to serve 3.38 lakh commuters daily by 2031, potentially rising to 7.81 lakh by 2061 as the city’s industrial and residential growth accelerates. To ensure seamless travel across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, the route will feature skywalk connections for commuter interchange at Wakad with the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar line and at Sant Tukaramnagar with the Swargate-Pimpri Chinchwad line. Experts highlight that this integration will enhance accessibility to nearly every corner of the metropolitan region while reducing traffic congestion and commuting time.
The planned metro corridor will start at Bhakti Shakti on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway and pass through strategic locations including Ganesh Nagar, Ravet, Punawale, Tathawade, Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Nashik Phata, Bhosari MIDC, and finally Chakan. A depot-cum-workshop is proposed near Bhosari District Centre on a 12.04-hectare land parcel managed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Each metro train will run with three-car coaches initially, with 63 coaches projected to meet 2031 ridership demands. The Bhakti Shakti to Chakan corridor will require 48 coaches, while an additional 15 coaches will serve the Bhumkar Chowk to Godown Chowk stretch. Officials noted that the fleet will need expansion to 129 coaches by 2061 to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
Implementation of the route will require land acquisition by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and PMRDA. Approval from the state and Central Governments will be necessary before construction begins. Once operational, the new corridor is expected to enhance connectivity for approximately 75 per cent of Pimpri Chinchwad city, linking residential, commercial, and industrial hubs efficiently while promoting eco-friendly urban mobility. With ongoing metro expansions, including Swargate to Pimpri Chinchwad, Vanaz to Ramwadi, and Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar lines, Pune is steadily advancing toward a modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban transport system. Officials emphasise that these initiatives will not only reduce road congestion but also support the city’s broader environmental and equitable mobility objectives.
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