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To make travel smoother and reduce traffic jams in Pune, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) is planning to expand metro routes. These new routes aim to make it easier for both daily commuters and air travelers to reach Pune's Lohegaon Airport. The idea is to promote public transport and support the city's goal of moving towards eco-friendly travel options.
Better Connections to Airport and Southern Suburbs
Maha-Metro is working on plans to improve travel to Pune's growing southern areas and the airport. One important plan is to build a three-kilometre metro link from Ramwadi directly to Pune Airport. This short stretch is expected to help airport passengers a lot.
Another big plan includes building a longer metro route that connects the city centre with southern parts of Pune like Kondhwa, NIBM, Yewalewadi, and Undri. These projects aim to reduce traffic on the roads and give people a better way to travel around the city.
Studying the Best Transport Options
To make sure the best transport method is chosen, Maha-Metro has asked experts to prepare two reports: an Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The AAR will compare different types of transport systems, like metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). It will consider important points such as cost, how many people will use it, environmental effects, and how it will fit with Pune's current transport system. Based on this study, the DPR will give full details about the project plan, cost, and time needed to complete it.
Big Metro Plans in the Works
One of the key parts of the plan is a 20-kilometre metro line from Civil Court to Yewalewadi, with another line connecting to NIBM. There is also a chance that Line 3 of Pune Metro, which is now being built by Tata-Siemens, may be extended to reach Kondhwa, Yewalewadi, and Undri.
According to Atul Gadgil, Director (Works) at Maha-Metro, it is yet to be decided whether Maha-Metro will manage the full project or if the partnership with Tata-Siemens will continue. This decision will be made after the DPR is completed.
Many leaders are supporting the airport metro extension. Former MLAs Sunil Tingre and Jagdish Mulik had earlier suggested connecting Ramwadi to the airport by metro. More recently, Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, has also asked for a DPR to be prepared for this important route.
With better travel, less traffic, and lower pollution, Pune's metro expansion is set to change how people move around the city.
