Pune: Pimpri to Swargate Now a Smooth Commute of Just Over Half an Hour; PCMC and Hinjawadi Residents to Enjoy Enhanced Connectivity

The Pune Metro has transformed commuting in the region with its ongoing expansions, bringing relief to residents of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. With new lines and extensions in place, travel times have significantly reduced, making daily commutes faster and more efficient.

Key Developments

Swargate Line Fully Operational
On March 6, 2024, the third phase of the metro line was inaugurated, completing two critical stretches:

• Civil Court–Swargate (3.5 km, 3 stations).
• Ruby Hall–Ramwadi (5.5 km, 4 stations).

These additions bring the Pimpri-Swargate line to a total length of 17.4 km with 14 stations, and the Vanaz-Ramwadi line to 15.7 km with 16 stations. As a result, commuters can now travel seamlessly from Pimpri to Swargate in just 40–50 minutes, a major improvement over the earlier congested road travel that often took much longer.

Pimpri to Nigdi Extension (Bhakti Shakti Chowk)
On October 23, 2023, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved an extension from Swargate to Nigdi (Bhakti Shakti Chowk).

• Progress Update:
  • Construction began in May 2024.
  • 28 foundations completed (of 151 total).
  • 13 piers completed.
  • 201 segments cast (of 1,337 planned).
• Planned Stations: Chinchwad, Khandoba Mal Chowk (Akurdi), Tilak Chowk (Nigdi), and Bhakti Shakti Chowk.
  This 4.5 km elevated line is expected to be completed in two and a half years, providing enhanced connectivity to residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Line
The 23.203 km Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar metro line, being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) by the Tata Group, is 70% complete.

• Progress So Far:
  • Segment installation began in July 2022 at Hinjewadi.
  • Pier cap and girder work continues in Wakad and Hinjewadi Phase 1.
• Completion Target: March 2025.

Once operational, this line will reduce commute times for IT professionals and residents traveling between Hinjewadi and the city center.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the metro expansion is on track, challenges like land acquisition for the Pimpri–Nigdi extension and delays in obtaining approvals may affect project timelines. The authorities are under pressure to resolve these issues to maintain the construction schedule.

The ongoing metro projects aim to create a seamless public transportation network for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. With reduced travel times, smoother commutes, and enhanced suburban connectivity, the Pune Metro continues to set benchmarks for urban infrastructure in India.