Union Cabinet Approves ₹3,626 Crore Pune Metro Phase-2 Extensions to Connect East-West Corridors

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the much-awaited Phase-2 expansion of the Pune Metro network, officials confirmed in late June 2025. The ambitious project, valued at ₹3,626.24 crore, will significantly enhance connectivity across the city's growing suburban areas through two strategic elevated corridors.

Cabinet Approves Two Critical Extensions

Government sources revealed that the approved Phase-2 encompasses two vital extensions designed to bridge connectivity gaps in Pune's rapidly expanding urban landscape. The project includes Corridor 2A, spanning 1.12 kilometers from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk with two strategically positioned stations, and the more extensive Corridor 2B, which will stretch 11.63 kilometers from Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi, incorporating 11 new stations.

Together, these extensions will add approximately 12.75 kilometers of elevated metro track with 13 new stations to the existing network. The project will be funded through a tripartite arrangement between the Central government, Maharashtra state, and external funding agencies, ensuring balanced financial responsibility across stakeholders.

Four-Year Construction Timeline Set

Construction activities are expected to commence following the approval, with Maha Metro already initiating preliminary work including topographical surveys and station design preparations. Industry experts suggest the project should reach completion within four years, targeting mid-2029 for full operational status.

The timeline aligns with the broader infrastructure development goals for Maharashtra, particularly in enhancing public transportation networks across major urban centers.

Strategic Connectivity for Growing Suburbs

Transportation planners emphasize that these extensions will significantly ease east-west commute challenges by connecting rapidly developing suburbs including Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud real estate areas, Kharadi's IT corridor, and Wagholi's residential zones.

The new corridors will integrate essential areas including IT hubs, commercial zones, educational institutions, and residential developments, creating a comprehensive transit network that serves diverse urban needs.

Network Integration with Existing Lines

Officials confirmed that the new corridors will connect seamlessly with existing Line 1 and Line 3 at District Court station, enabling passengers to access multimodal transit options including bus integration services. This integration strategy mirrors successful Mumbai Metro connectivity models that have proven effective in managing urban transportation needs.

Ridership Projections Signal Strong Demand

Transit authorities project substantial ridership growth for the expanded network, with the complete Wagholi-Chandani corridor expected to serve 96,000 daily passengers by 2027. Long-term projections indicate ridership could surge to 349,000 daily passengers by 2057, reflecting Pune's continued urban expansion and the growing preference for metro transportation.

These figures underscore the project's potential impact on reducing traffic congestion while supporting sustainable urban mobility solutions across the metropolitan area.

Feeder Networks to Enhance Accessibility

PMPML feeder services will complement the metro extensions, connecting peripheral areas including Yerawada-Ramwadi, Kalyani Nagar, and Magarpatta City. Transportation officials are reviewing frequency improvements to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity for commuters accessing the expanded metro network.

The feeder network strategy aligns with successful metro connectivity models implemented in other major cities, where integrated public transport systems have significantly improved urban mobility.

Future Expansion Plans Under Consideration

Local leadership and urban planners are advocating for additional extensions beyond Phase-2, including proposed routes from Ramwadi to Lohegaon airport and Civil Court to Yewalewadi. These future phases would further deepen connectivity across Pune's expanding urban footprint, similar to the comprehensive metro expansion strategies being implemented in other tier-1 cities.

Real Estate Impact Expected

Property market analysts anticipate significant positive impacts on Pune's real estate investment landscape along the new metro corridors. Areas like Baner's property market and Warje's investment opportunities are expected to benefit from improved connectivity.

The metro expansion comes as major developers, including Godrej Properties' ₹4,200 crore project in Kharadi-Wagholi corridor, continue investing heavily in areas that will be served by the new metro lines.

Next Steps in Implementation

With Cabinet approval secured, Maha Metro officials will focus on obtaining necessary construction permissions and initiating ground-level work. The pre-construction phase, already underway, positions the project for timely execution within the established four-year timeline.

The approval represents a transformative development for Pune's transit infrastructure, promising reduced traffic congestion, enhanced public transport accessibility, and strengthened socio-economic integration across the expanding metropolitan area.