The Maharashtra state government has granted conditional approval to the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) ambitious High-Capacity Mass Transit Rapid (HCMTR) corridor project, designed to significantly enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure. An official notification outlining the proposed changes has been issued, with on-ground activities and updates expected to commence next month.
The HCMTR initiative aims to streamline traffic across Pune, spanning a total distance of 35.96 kilometers with a corridor width of 24 meters. Key locations identified for this high-capacity transit route include Bopodi, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Senapati Bapat Road, Paud Phata, Karve Road, Dattawadi, Sarasbaug, Swargate, Nehru Road, Lullanagar, Wanowrie, Ramwadi, Vadgaon Sheri, Viman Nagar Chowk, and Vishrantwadi.
In a recent council meeting, the Pune Municipal Corporation unanimously endorsed the HCMTR project. The proposal, initially forwarded to the state government in February 2022, received conditional approval, covering various segments of the proposed corridor. Notable adjustments have been made in certain areas, such as from Laxminarayan Talkies Chowk to Market Yard Corner and Gangadham Chowk to Aaimata Mandir.
For public awareness and transparency, a detailed map of the HCMTR route will soon be available at PMC offices for viewing during office hours throughout the month. Additionally, the announcement will be accessible on the state government’s official website.
The official notification stresses the importance of stakeholder engagement, particularly in Katraj, where proposals are invited for locations impacted by the HCMTR implementation. It is essential to propose necessary environmental guarantees and conduct thorough checks before commencing work on the proposed changes to the HCMTR route. This proactive approach ensures that all environmental and community considerations are addressed, safeguarding the project’s sustainable development.
The HCMTR corridor is set to revolutionise Pune’s transit system by reducing congestion and improving travel efficiency across the city. With the state government’s conditional approval, the PMC is poised to take significant steps forward, commencing with preparatory activities next month. The project marks a critical development in Pune’s urban planning, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure for a better, more efficient future.
