By Rounak Khare
On Thursday, 30th January 2024, a meeting was held at the Divisional Commissioner’s office, in Pune. Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra as well as the Guardian Minister of Pune, reviewed the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation’s (Maha-Metro’s) proposed transport plan. The extensive transport strategy focuses on expanding metro connectivity as well as upgrading bus infrastructure, with the plan being worth Rs. 1.26 Lakh Crore, to accommodate the expanding population in Pune over the next thirty years. The discussions were centered on updating Pune’s metropolitan transport framework and advancing Phase 2 of the Pune Metro project.
The plan includes metro line extensions, with new corridors to connect Hinjewadi to the District Court, Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi, and Swargate to Katraj. The Maha-Metro Managing Director, Shravan Haridkar, presented a detailed outline of the same in the meeting, to enhance connectivity in the city. There is also going to be establishment of new bus terminals at Mangdewadi, Kadam Vasti, Lonikand, and Moshi. Upgrades shall take place in the major bus depots of Kothrud, Katraj, Hadapasar, Market Yard, and Pimpri. The existing terminals of Pulgate, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Nigdi, Mukhai Chowk, Chikhali, Wagholi, Ranjangaon, Talegaon and Chakan bus stops are also going to be revamped, according to the proposal.
The meeting was attended by several public representatives, including Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, and Members of Parliament Supriya Sule, Medha Kulkarni, and Sunetra Pawar, along with multiple MLAs and government officials.
The recent state cabinet approval for the Mutha Right Bank Canal tunnel from Khadakwasla to Phursungi was highlighted by MLA Chetan Tupe, who suggested that traffic congestion can be reduced with a parallel road, or a metro line along the tunnel route. MP Supriya Sule also spoke about the need to integrate the transport strategy with the Purandar airport project, which is still in the process of establishment. Increasing local train frequency between Pune and Lonavala, and reviving Pune-Neera local train service, was suggested by MLA Vijay Shivtare.
A deadline has been set for these public representatives to provide feedback for the plan, which will be reviewed by Maha-Metro, who will incorporate their suggestions before finalising the transport blueprint for improving Pune’s urban mobility.