News Brief
Maha-Metro To Begin Work On Swargate–Katraj Underground Extension By Year-End: Report
An underground section of Pune Metro under construction (Maha Metro)
The Swargate–Katraj underground metro extension in Pune is set to move forward, with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) preparing to issue a work order next month.
Construction on the 5.5 km stretch, part of Phase II of the Pune Metro project, is expected to begin before the close of the year, according to a Hindustan Times report.
The corridor, which will run entirely underground, promises significant relief for commuters on the busy Satara Road.
By linking Swargate station with Katraj, it will improve north–south connectivity while serving several densely populated residential pockets along the route.
According to Atul Gadgil, director (works), Maha-Metro, bids for the project were opened on 20 September. “The selected company will start work by next month,” he confirmed on Saturday (20 September). The contract is anticipated to be finalised within 10 days.
The tendering process has undergone revisions. The initial tender, floated in January 2025, covered Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj stations.
Six major infrastructure firms have expressed interest in executing the project: Larsen & Toubro, J Kumar Infraprojects, Afcons–SAM India, ITD Cementation, HCC–Kalpataru JV, and Tata Projects.
Once operational, the underground extension is expected to dramatically reduce travel times.
Presently, the journey between Swargate and Katraj takes around 45 minutes by road. With the metro, the same trip will be cut to less than 15 minutes, officials said.
