Pune has witnessed a burgeoning number of private vehicles on its roads owing to an insufficient public transport system. The Pune metro rail service started three years ago, but has yet to pick up the response as estimated, as metro services are operational on only two routes.
No new metro route has been inaugurated for more than a year. But the metro rail service in Pune is all set to get a big push with the expected inauguration of the metro Line 3 (Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar) by the end of March next year.
“The work on Line 3 should be completed on time, and the operations should start as per the deadline,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Monday.
“We have directed the implementing agency, PITCMRL (Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd), to start the operations by March 31. They have been given an extension in the deadline many times, but now no more extensions will be given,” said a Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) officer.
The 23.3km-long elevated metro route is being keenly awaited as it will connect the city with Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park at Hinjewadi, which has been witnessing traffic congestion for the past few years. The metro Line 3 will be connected to the already operational Line 1 and Line 2 through a skywalk at Civil Court station.
Meanwhile, there is a possibility that all stations on Line 3 might not be inaugurated at the same time owing to pending works.
The Line 3 metro route is likely to get a good response from those working in the IT sector based in Hinjewadi. Line 3 is also expected to push up the footfall at the presently operational Line 1 (Swargate to PCMC) and Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) routes.
The Union Government has given a nod to extend both operational routes. It has also green-lighted Line 4 from Khadakwasla to Kharadi.
“The work on the PCMC to Nigdi elevated metro route (Line 1) is gaining momentum. Construction of the 4.5 km route with four stations began in March last year. To date, 105 of the 153 foundations, 90 of 153 piers and 724 of 1,329 segment castings have been done. The civil work has to be completed by September next year, but actual operations will take time to start,” said a Pune metro official.
The extension work on the underground stretch from Swargate to Katraj (Line 1) is yet to be started, he further said, adding that the delay has been due to technical issues.
The Pune metro official also informed that work on the extension of the route from Ramwadi to Wagholi (Line 2) and Vanaz to Chandni Chowk (Line 2) will soon start as the tendering process is nearing completion.
The Pune metro is likely to prepare detailed project reports for new routes from Wakad to Katraj via Mumbai-Bengaluru Bypass, Wakad to Chakan, Kharadi to Pune airport, Shivajinagar to Kondhwa, Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor, and Hadapsar to Saswad Road railway.