Elevated Metro link to Kondhwa-Yewalewadi likely to be ready by 2030-31: Officials

Pune: Residents of Kondhwa-NIBM and Yewalewadi could get an elevated Metro line by 2030-31 if all statutory clearances are received on time, Maha Metro officials told TOI on Thursday, confirming that surveys and alignment studies were under way on the 20km corridor from Shivajinagar to Yewalewadi via Camp and Pulgate, along with a spur from NIBM to Undri.This proposed corridor will form an extension of the broader 23km elevated Metro line 3, being developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar. "While the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar route is being built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the 20km extension toward Kondhwa and Yewalewadi will be executed directly by Maha Metro," an official said citing state govt's decision.
Atul Gadgil, director (works) at Maha Metro, said consultants had been appointed to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the extension. "Field surveys and alignment studies are ongoing. The proposed alignment runs from Shivajinagar to the collectorate, then through Camp and Pulgate before heading straight to Kondhwa and Yewalewadi. A spur line is planned from Jyoti Square to NIBM junction and further to Undri near Bishop's School. Stations are being considered at intervals of roughly 1km," he said.The consultants, appointed around two months back, are expected to submit the DPR by May-June. "The report will be placed before Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)'s general body for discussion and approval before being sent to state govt. "This process should be completed by year-end. After state approval, the proposal will be forwarded to Centre next year. If all permissions are granted on time, the project could be completed by 2030-31," another official said.The demand for Metro connectivity to the Kondhwa-Yewalewadi belt was raised during the monsoon session by MLC Yogesh Tilekar, who highlighted rapid urbanisation and worsening traffic congestion in the area. He said while Metro connectivity had been approved up to Hadapsar, Kondhwa and surrounding areas still remained uncovered. "A dedicated Metro line is essential for this fast-growing region," Tilekar said, urging authorities to fast-track the project through the PPP model. Kondhwa resident Veena Chavan said, "The administration needs to widen existing roads in Kondhwa and nearby areas and enhance public transport, especially Metro connectivity linking this area to the city's core."Last year, state govt had approved a Metro corridor connecting Khadakwasla-Hadapsar-Swargate and Kharadi to boost east-west mobility. The officials said proposals to extend the Hadapsar line to Loni Kalbhor and further to Saswad under Line 4, improving access to the proposed Purandar airport.The officials maintained that given the pace of growth in the southern suburbs, a dedicated Metro line was a sustainable long-term transport solution.