FCC

PMC considers approval of Khadakwasla to Hadapsar Metro Route

2023-07-19

Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar announced that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is likely to approve the detailed project report (DPR) for the Khadakwasla to Hadapsar metro route in the upcoming general body meeting. This statement follows discussions on various transportation projects, including metro projects, during a recent meeting of the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA).

According to Kumar, the PUMTA has already given its approval for the metro route from Khadakwasla to Hadapsar. As a result, the PMC is expected to grant its approval to the DPR within the next few days. Once the general body approves the project, the PMC can submit the proposal to the state government. However, the project will also require approval from the central government since both the Maharashtra government and the PMC are sharing the financial burden.

Kumar mentioned that both Maha Metro and the Tata Group have expressed interest in developing the Khadakwasla to Hadapsar metro route. With both parties keen on the project, the PMC will need to make a decision. A civic official stated that elected representatives believe the Tata Group should undertake the work to ensure speedy execution.

Last year, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) submitted proposals for various metro routes, including Vanaz to Chandni Chowk, Ramwadi to Wagholi, Khadakwasla to Swargate, SNDT to Warje, Swargate to Hadapsar, Hadapsar to Kharadi, and the high-capacity mass-transit route (HCMTR) in the central parts of Pune. The Tata Group and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) are currently jointly working on metro line 3 (Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar) through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The Tata Group has established the Pune IT City Metro Rail as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for this project's implementation. Kumar added that the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro line 3 will be extended to Civil Court first and later to Hadapsar.

Meanwhile, the proposed Swargate to Katraj metro route is still awaiting approval from the central government. Once it receives approval, Maha Metro will be able to commence work on the project.