Residents of Nigdi Pradhikaran, a suburb in Pune, can now rejoice as the long-awaited extended Pune Metro route from Pimpri to Bhakti Shakti Chowk has finally commenced construction. This development is expected to significantly ease commuting for the residents of Nigdi Pradhikaran and improve connectivity in the area. Persistent Demand and Promises Fulfilled Anna Bansode, the MLA of Pimpri assembly constituency, acknowledged the persistent demands of Pradhikaran citizens for the Metro extension and assured that this demand was continuously followed up on. In response to these demands, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured the residents that their needs would be addressed. With this extension, Pimpri-Chinchwad residents will soon enjoy seamless travel from Nigdi to Swargate via the Metro. Central Approval and Tender Process On October 23, 2023, the Central government granted approval for the extension of the Pune Metro from Pimpri to Nigdi. Following this significant approval, Maha Metro, the implementing authority of the Pune Metro project, floated a tender for the infrastructure work required for this extension. The total cost of this project amounts to approximately Rs 9.10 billion. Construction and Expected Completion The construction work for the extension is scheduled to be completed within 130 weeks from the approval date. The extendedroute spans a total length of 4.519 kilometres and includes stations at significant landmarks along the way. Breakdown of Stations and Distances Covered The extended Pune Metro route from Pimpri to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk will have stations at PCMC, Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and finally, Bhakti-Shakti Chowk. The distance between these stations is as follows: – The distance from PCMC to Chinchwad station is 1.463 km. – The distance from Chinchwad to Akurdi station is 1.651 km. – The distance from Akurdi to Nigdi station is 1.062 km. – The distance from Nigdi station to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk is 975 metres. Improving Connectivity and Accessibility This extension will significantly improve connectivity and accessibility for residents of Chinchwad, Akurdi, Pradhikaran, and Bhakti-Shakti Chowk. It will provide them with a convenient means of transportation and further enhance the ease of travel within the city. Work Commences and Next Steps With the barricading work already underway, the construction work has kicked off at Bhakti-Shakti Chowk and Pawale Bridge. Before the construction of pillars begins in earnest, MahaMetro will carry out essential soil tests and finalize the route layout, ensuring a smooth implementation process. Pune Metro Phase 1 The Pune Metro Phase 1 project was approved by the central government in 2016 and encompasses a total distance of 31.254 km with three corridors. Commercial operations for section 2 of Phase 1 were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6, 2022. Presently, the 17.4 km long Purple Line PCMC-Swargate and the 15.7 km long Aqua Line Vanaz-Ramwadi are in operation, revolutionizing the city’s transport infrastructure. With the commencement of the extended Metro route from Pimpri to Nigdi, Pune residents can look forward to faster and more convenient travel options within the city. The enhanced connectivity will undoubtedly pave the way for smoother commutes and bring Nigdi Pradhikaran closer to other parts of Pune.
Pune Metro Finally Extends to Nigdi, Easing Commute for Residents
