The Pune Metro’s 4.519 km elevated extension from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Bhakti Shakti Chowk marks a critical step in Phase 1A of the metro expansion. With the first segment laid on April 23, 2025, this corridor promises to revolutionize connectivity in Pune’s northern suburbs. Here’s an in-depth look at the project’s progress and significance.
1. Project Overview
- Route & Stations:
The extension includes 4 elevated stations:
- Chinchwad Station: Connects residential areas and Chinchwad Railway Station.
- Akurdi Station: Serves educational hubs and industrial zones.
- Nigdi Station: Links residential and recreational destinations.
- Bhakti Shakti Station: Integrates with PMPML bus depots for outer-area connectivity.
- Key Stats:
- 151 spans and 1,337 precast segments (517 cast as of April 2025).
- Construction Timeline: Began in July 2024; expected completion by 2027.
- Contractor: Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) with a ₹339.23 crore contract.
2. Construction Milestones
- First Segment Launched: Workers installed the inaugural segment at Khandoba Mal Chowk (Chinchwad–Akurdi stretch) using a segment-launching girder.
- Casting Yard: 1,181 segments are being cast at RVNL’s Talegaon facility, each weighing 37 metric tons.
- Innovative Design: Segments include integrated parapet walls to reduce construction time and costs.
3. Impact on Connectivity
- Ridership Boost: The operational Vanaz–Ramwadi and PCMC–Swargate routes already serve 1.6 lakh daily commuters. The new extension will further reduce traffic congestion and expand access to key hubs like Akurdi’s industrial zones.
- Strategic Links:
- Direct access to Chinchwad Railway Station for intercity travelers.
- Integration with PMPML buses at Bhakti Shakti Station for seamless transit to Dehu, Chikhali, and Talegaon.
4. Future Prospects
- Phase 1A Extensions:
- Swargate–Katraj Underground Line: A 5.46 km underground stretch with 3 stations (Market Yard, Padmavati, Katraj).
- Line 3 (Hinjewadi–Civil Court): Expected completion by December 2025, connecting IT hubs to central Pune.
- Phase 2 Plans: Proposed extensions to Wagholi, Chandni Chowk, and Hadapsar are under discussion.
5. Challenges & Public Response
- Delays: Land acquisition and overlapping routes (e.g., Hadapsar–Kharadi) have sparked calls for faster approvals.
- Community Feedback: Residents praise the Nigdi extension but urge prioritization of underserved areas like Kharadi.
The PCMC–Bhakti Shakti extension is a cornerstone of Pune’s urban mobility vision. By bridging industrial, residential, and transit hubs, it promises to redefine daily commutes and spur economic growth. Stay tuned to puneripages.in for ongoing updates!
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