Pune Metro Phase-II Expansion Accelerates with New Lines and Night Landing Plans
Key Metro stretches in and around Pune under the ambitious Phase-II expansion are poised to receive a significant boost. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced comprehensive plans to expand the transit system's reach across several cities, including Mumbai and Nagpur, with Pune featuring prominently in this development agenda.
New Metro Lines to Connect Old and New Areas
The proposed Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi line stands as a cornerstone of the Phase-II expansion. Additionally, construction of Metro lines from Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor and Hadapsar to Saswad Road is on the cards. Sources within the city's transport sector confirm that all three lines will strategically link Pune's historic neighborhoods with its rapidly developing peripheral areas.
If executed within the stipulated timeframe, these new corridors are expected to benefit a substantial number of daily commuters, alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing urban mobility.
Government Approval and Technical Progress
During his recent address, Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized that the state government has been actively working towards expanding the Metro network. He confirmed that new lines in Pune and surrounding regions have received official approval. The majority of these newly proposed lines are anticipated to be executed by Maha Metro, the nodal agency for Metro projects in Maharashtra.
Maha Metro officials report that the proposals are currently at various stages of feasibility studies and regulatory approvals. An official elaborated, "We are diligently working on the technical aspects of the Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi line. This is a critical corridor as it traverses the city's main areas and will play a pivotal role in daily commutes."
The official further noted that the Union Government approved this line in November 2025. It is projected to feature 28 stations and cover an impressive distance of 32 kilometers upon completion.
Public Concerns Over Execution Pace
Despite the promising announcements, regular commuters have voiced apprehensions regarding the slow execution of Metro works. Sanjay Shitole, a citizen closely monitoring the progress of Metro projects in Pune, urged the state government and Maha Metro to expedite construction activities.
"The project should ideally be completed within three to four years after work commences. Prolonged delays will inevitably lead to hardships for all stakeholders," Shitole cautioned.
Echoing similar sentiments, Arvind Kadam, a resident of Shivajinagar, suggested that the Chief Minister establish a dedicated committee to monitor the progress of Metro works. "Only two Metro lines have become fully operational in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad over the past decade. Two extensions are currently under construction, while all remaining lines remain on paper or in planning stages," Kadam pointed out.
Baramati Airport to Get Night Landing Facility
In a parallel development, Baramati is set to receive a night landing facility for its airport, alongside Latur, Amaravati, and Yevatmal. Sachin Satav, President of the Baramati Municipal Council, described this as a long-pending dream of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
"Numerous VIPs from political, business, and industrial sectors frequently visit Baramati. Since it is not a regular airport, only chartered flights or helicopters currently operate here. With night landing capabilities, visitors can arrive and depart at any time, offering greater flexibility and convenience. This upgrade will significantly boost the industrial sector in our town," Satav explained.
The integration of enhanced Metro connectivity and improved airport facilities underscores a concerted effort to bolster Pune's infrastructure, catering to both daily commuters and business travelers alike.
