Pune: Swargate-Katraj Metro Extension Awaits State Nod; Cost of Project Rises by Rs 683 Crore
Pune :
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) has proposed an extension of the Swargate-Katraj underground metro corridor by adding two new stations—Balaji Nagar (Bharati Vidyapeeth) and Sahakar Nagar (Bibvewadi). The proposal was sent to the state government by the end of January, and officials anticipate that a fresh tender will be floated in this regard once it receives approval from the state government.
Given that the entire metro line is underground, large-scale land acquisition will not be necessary. However, Maha Metro officials have indicated that land acquisition will be carried out for station development.
Originally, the 1.5 km metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj included three stations—Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. However, persistent demands from local representatives and residents prompted metro authorities to re-evaluate the plan. Following an inspection, Balaji Nagar station was included in the project. Further inspection into the project suggested that another station at Sahakar Nagar in Bibvewadi could be accommodated, leading to its addition as well to the original project.
The inclusion of these two stations has pushed up the total project cost by Rs 683 crore. According to the existing financial framework, the Centre will contribute 10%, the Maharashtra government 15%, and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) another 15%, with the remaining 60% being raised through loans. This translates to an additional financial burden of Rs 248.52 crore for the PMC. The final decision on the funding and execution now rests with the state government.
Initially estimated at Rs 2,954 crore, the cost of the Swargate-Katraj metro project has now increased to Rs 3,638 crore due to the addition of two new stations. Officials remain optimistic about securing state approval soon, paving the way for tendering and construction to commence.
Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director, Maha Metro, said, “Following a thorough inspection, we have proposed the addition of two new stations to the Swargate-Katraj underground metro project. The proposal is under government consideration, and there is a high possibility of approval.” He also informed that while the cost of the project will rise, the decision will significantly benefit Pune residents.
