Pune Urban Connectivity Boost With Metro Extension
Pune’s urban transit infrastructure is set to expand as Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has formally awarded a ₹78.5 crore contract for station facility development on the proposed PCMC–Nigdi elevated Metro extension. The project, covering a 4.41-kilometre stretch, aims to improve connectivity for residents in Pimpri-Chinchwad while addressing the city’s growing mobility and congestion challenges.
The contract has been granted to Colossus Infra Projects Private Limited, a firm with prior experience in Metro infrastructure, and the work is scheduled for completion within approximately 18 months. This extension forms a part of Phase II of Pune’s Metro development plan, which seeks to enhance multimodal urban transport and encourage greater use of public transit. Urban planners and mobility experts note that this segment, linking key nodes including Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Bhakti-Shakti, could significantly reduce commuting times and provide direct access to central Pune. With Pune’s population and commuter density rising sharply, the extension is positioned to ease road congestion, limit vehicular emissions, and contribute to a more climate-resilient transport system.
The PCMC–Nigdi extension was initially proposed in 2021, receiving state-level approval, followed by clearance from the Union Cabinet and the Public Investment Board in 2023. The total cost of this segment is estimated at over ₹1,000 crore, reflecting the scale and technical complexity of integrating elevated tracks, structural components, electrical systems, escalators, lifts, and other electromechanical facilities. Officials highlighted that the tendering process attracted limited bidders, with Colossus Infra emerging as the lowest evaluated firm. Industry analysts suggest that constrained competition in large-scale Metro tenders is a recurring challenge in urban infrastructure projects, often influencing timelines and cost efficiency.
The operational Purple Line currently spans 17.4 kilometres between PCMC and Swargate, with 14 stations. The new extension is expected to integrate seamlessly with this corridor, reinforcing Pune’s broader public transport network and supporting equitable urban mobility. In addition to transport benefits, urban planners anticipate positive spillover effects on local real estate markets, commercial activity, and pedestrian-oriented neighbourhood design in Pimpri-Chinchwad. As MahaMetro accelerates Phase II construction, the PCMC–Nigdi stretch exemplifies the intersection of urban growth, sustainable mobility, and infrastructure planning. The extension’s completion will be a key test of implementing climate-conscious transit solutions in rapidly expanding Indian cities, reflecting a strategic push towards inclusive, low-carbon urban development.
