Pune’s public transport system is poised for a significant boost after the Union Budget earmarked ₹517 crore specifically for extending the Pune Metro network.
The allocation was announced by Nirmala Sitharaman and is intended to fast-track metro expansion across Pune as well as the Pimpri-Chinchwad area in the coming years.
Union Budget Boosts Pune Metro with ₹517 Crore for Network Expansion
A key project drawing widespread attention is the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro line, which is expected to begin operations in March.
Once services start, the new line is projected to slash commute time between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar from almost two hours to roughly 30 minutes.
This reduction in travel time is expected to bring major relief to thousands of daily commuters who currently face long and unpredictable journeys.
Metro officials have confirmed that trial runs on the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar stretch have been completed successfully.
These trials were conducted under the supervision of Dr Yogesh Mhase, and preparations are now focused on the official launch of the line.
The corridor will directly link Shivajinagar with the Rajiv Gandhi IT Park in Hinjawadi, a zone that experiences intense daily traffic.
The area sees regular movement from over 2.2 lakh IT professionals working in nearly 800 companies, making it one of the busiest travel corridors in the region.
Double-Decker Transport Plan Announced to Ease University Chowk Traffic
To tackle persistent traffic congestion near University Chowk, authorities are developing a double-decker transport system at the junction.
This structure will separate traffic vertically, with local vehicles at ground level, an elevated roadway above, and the metro line running at the top.
The aim of this multi-tier arrangement is to ease pressure at one of Pune’s most congested intersections.
The Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro route will consist of 23 stations and will be operated using 14 trainsets.
Residents across Pune have been waiting for this corridor to open, as it is expected to noticeably improve everyday commuting conditions.
The Union Budget also shed light on Phase II of the Pune Metro expansion.
Currently, two metro corridors are already operational across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
A third metro line is nearing completion and is expected to open to passengers in the near future.
Construction work on the 4.5-kilometre Pimpri–Nigdi extension is ongoing, with about half of the project already completed.
This extension is targeted for completion by the year 2027.
Phase II plans include several proposed corridors such as Khadakwasla–Swargate–Kharadi, Ramwadi–Wagholi–Vitthalwadi, Vanaz–Chandni Chowk, and Nal Stop–Warje.
Once these new routes are completed, the expanded Pune Metro network is expected to reshape urban travel and substantially reduce traffic congestion across the wider metropolitan region.
