Pune’s Swargate–Katraj Underground Metro Work To Begin In Months After Long Delay, MahaMetro Reissues Tender

After years of delay and mounting public pressure, construction on Pune’s long-awaited Swargate–Katraj underground metro stretch is finally poised to commence within the next three to four months, reported Pune Pulse.

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the route ahead of the last state assembly elections, real progress on the ground had stalled until now.

Marking a significant breakthrough, MahaMetro has reissued the tender for the 5.46 km underground corridor, this time including the much-demanded Padmavati and Bibwewadi stations that were omitted in the original plan.

Public opposition and intervention by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar proved decisive. Following sustained protests, Pawar directed officials to revise the plan and ensure the two vital neighbourhoods were not left out.

The revised tender provides a 40 day window for contractor submissions. “Due to strong public demand, the two stations were added. The new tender has been floated, and work is likely to begin in 2–3 months,” confirmed Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of MahaMetro.

The Swargate–Katraj underground metro stretch spans a total length of 5.46 km and include five stations, notably Padmavati and Bibwewadi, which were added following public demand.

The estimated cost of the project stands at Rs 3,647 crore, with an additional Rs 683 crore allocated specifically for the two new stations, an expense to be borne by the state government.

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