The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) will be reportedly start constructing rolling stock depots at Vanaz and Range Hills in the coming days. On both the stretches, Vanaz-Ramwadi and Pimpri-Swargate, nearly 27 per cent of the work on metro viaduct has been completed.

Reports suggest that a private contractor to build the depots has been appointed. The work on both the stretches, Vanaz-Ramwadi and Pimpri-Swargate, is expected to be completed within two years.

The depot on the Vanaz-Ramwadi is expected to cater to the rakes on the Vanaz-Ramwadi Metro corridor, while the Range Hill depot will cater to the maintenance of rakes running on the PCMC-Civil Court-Swargate route.

For the deport, nearly 26 hectare has been reportedly allotted. The Pune Municipal Corporation has given over 13.27 hectare for the Vanaz depot. However, the state government will be allotting 12.3 hectare of land in Range Hills to MahaMetro. The Vanaz depot will have 12 stabling lines, while the Range Hill depot will have 18.

Also, the MahaMetro will be reportedly conducting a meeting with the contractor to discuss further plans as the ground work is expected to commence in the coming days. As the MahaMetro is already in possession of the land required, the work is expected to start soon. MahaMetro is expected to spend Rs 3.77 billion on the construction of the depots, including electrical and mechanical works.

The depot is expected to play an important role in the maintenance and repairs of the rolling stock. The depots will be reportedly functioning around the clock in three shifts.