The neo metro project, which envisioned a trolley bus system with overhead electric traction and rubber tyres, has yet to see any tangible progress. Originally conceptualized under the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Devendra Fadnavis, the project aimed to introduce 25-metre-long electric bus coaches capable of operating on both ground and elevated routes.
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), designated to oversee the project in Nashik, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, has encountered significant hurdles, primarily on technical grounds as highlighted by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation during a recent visit to Pune. According to the minister, the project was deemed unfeasible following technical assessments, leading to its rejection by the central government. An official from Maha-Metro, said that the neo metro concept faced rejection at the national level after initial approval for Nashik, subsequently dissuading further proposals for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The project’s central features included air-conditioned buses equipped with automatic door closing systems and electronic display information systems, intended to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency. In Pune, the project was slated for implementation along the high capacity mass transit route (HCMTR), a strategic urban infrastructure initiative. However, uncertainties persist as local authorities and project managers await official communication from the Centre or the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regarding the project’s status and future direction.
Expressing bewilderment over the central government’s rejection, the Additional City Engineer responsible for the HCMTR project emphasized the need for clarity, considering recent mentions of the project by local officials. Despite discussions at administrative levels, substantive steps towards resuming or revising the neo metro initiative in Pune remain elusive. The delay in implementing the neo metro project underscores challenges in translating urban transport innovations into reality amidst regulatory scrutiny and technical evaluations. It reflects broader complexities in aligning developmental aspirations with practical feasibility assessments and governmental approvals, crucial for advancing sustainable urban mobility solutions. As stakeholders continue to navigate regulatory landscapes and address technical critiques, the fate of Pune’s neo metro project hangs in the balance, influencing strategic urban planning decisions and public infrastructure investments moving forward.
