Cabinet approves phase-2 of Pune Metro, two new corridors cleared

Punersquos public transport network is set for a major upgrade as the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Phase2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project on WednesdayThe approval covers two new corridors Line 4 running from Kharadi through Hadapsar and Swargate to Khadakwasla and Line 4A extending from Nal Stop to Warje and Manik BaugThis is the second major clearance under Phase2 following the earlier sanctioning of Line 2A VanazndashChandani Chowk and Line 2B RamwadindashWagholiVitthalwadiThe newly approved corridors span a total of 3164 kilometres and will include 28 elevated stations Line 4 will cover 2552 kilometres with 22 stations while Line 4A will add 612 kilometres with six stations The project is estimated to cost Rs 985785 crore and is expected to be completed within five years Funding will come jointly from the Government of India the Government of Maharashtra and international bilateral or multilateral agenciesThe expansion forms a crucial part of Punersquos Comprehensive Mobility Plan and will integrate with existing and upcoming corridorsThe new routes will connect with Line 2 at Kharadi Bypass and Nal Stop and with Line 1 at Swargate They will also provide an interchange at Hadapsar Railway Station and link with proposed future routes towards Loni Kalbhor and Saswad Road Once operational these lines will bring direct connectivity to key residential commercial educational and industrial areas including Kharadi IT Park Magarpatta Hadapsar Swargate Sinhagad Road Karve Road Warje and the scenic Khadakwasla regionThe alignment covers several of Punersquos busiest transport corridors such as Solapur Road Magarpatta Road Sinhagad Road and the MumbaindashBengaluru Highway and is expected to significantly reduce congestion while improving travel safety and supporting sustainable mobilityProjected figures suggest that daily ridership on Line 4and Line 4A will reach 409 lakh by 2028 rising to nearly 7 lakh in 2038 963 lakh in 2048 and over 117 lakh by 2058 Of this the main KharadindashKhadakwasla corridor is expected to handle 323 lakh passengers per day in 2028 increasing to 933 lakh by 2058 The Nal StopndashWarjendashManik Baug spur is likely to grow from 85555 daily passengers in 2028 to 241 lakh by 2058 indicating substantial demand along both corridors in the coming decadesThe project will be implemented by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited MahaMetro which will be responsible for all civil electrical mechanical and systemsrelated work Preparatory activities including topographical studies and detailed design work have already begunA spokesperson for Pune Metro said the Cabinet approval marks a significant step toward easing Punersquos traffic challenges and accelerating the cityrsquos overall development The new corridors will connect the eastern central and western parts of the city more efficiently making everyday travel faster safer and more convenient for citizensWith this decision Pune Metrorsquos network will surpass the 100kilometre mark an important milestone in building a modern integrated and ecofriendly transport system The approval of Line 4 and 4A promises not only additional metro tracks but also a future of smoother commutes reduced traffic burdens and a more connected urban landscape