Pune Metro Update: Construction Of Swargate-Katraj Extension With Four Underground Stations Yet To Begin, Here's Why

Nearly four months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Swargate-Katraj Metro extension, construction work is yet to commence.

According to Pune Metro officials, the process of selecting an agency to execute the project is in its final stages. The extension involves constructing 5.463 km of twin tunnels and four underground stations.

The Swargate-Katraj extension, approved in 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,945 crore, initially included three stations—Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. However, following public demand, a fourth station at Balajinagar was recently added with approval from the civic body.

“The work of the underground Metro rail route and four stations from Swargate to Katraj will be executed by one agency. It will soon be finalised, and construction will begin at the site,” stated Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Pune Metro, to Indian Express.

The project will utilise advanced tunnelling technology, including Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), to construct the twin tunnels. Once construction begins, officials expect the work to progress at an accelerated pace.

The Pune Metro has made significant strides in its first phase, with the Vanaz-Ramwadi and Pimpri Chinchwad-Swargate routes now fully operational.

The underground Shivajinagar-Swargate route, operational since September 2024, highlights the Metro’s capability to navigate dense urban environments effectively.

In addition to the Swargate-Katraj extension, other projects are underway. The elevated Pimpri Chinchwad-Nigdi extension is currently under construction, while the Metro authority awaits approval for its second phase.

This proposed phase will connect Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar, linking the existing network at SNDT College station.