Pune: First Segment Laid on PCMC to Bhakti-Shakti Metro Extension, Marks Key Milestone
Pune, Akurdi: In a major step towards enhancing public transport in the Pune Metropolitan Region, the first segment on the PCMC to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk Metro route was successfully laid on April 23. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the Pune Metro Phase II expansion.
The segment launching girder was installed at Khandoba Mal Chowk, located between Chinchwad and Akurdi stations. This extended route is part of the larger Vanaz–Ramwadi and PCMC–Swargate corridors and aims to improve connectivity across key residential, industrial, and semi-urban areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Construction Progress and Scope
Work on this corridor began on July 6, 2024, and is progressing at a swift pace. Today, workers completed 4 out of 12 segments between piers 453 and 454, while the remaining 8 segments are underway. The full extension will consist of 151 piers and 1,337 segments, with 517 segments already cast.
Four New Stations to Enhance Connectivity
The extension will feature four new metro stations, each designed to serve strategic areas:
- Chinchwad Station – Direct access to Chinchwad Railway Station and nearby residential and commercial areas.
- Akurdi Station – Connecting educational institutions, industrial zones, and residential localities.
- Nigdi Station – Serving nearby residential and recreational areas.
- Bhakti-Shakti Station – Offering connectivity to religious hubs and PMPML bus depots servicing Dehu, Chikhali, Talegaon, and Vadgaon.
MahaMetro Confident of Timely Completion
Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of MahaMetro, expressed optimism about the project’s progress. “The construction of the first span on the PCMC to Nigdi route has begun. This is a matter of great joy. We are committed to completing this route at the earliest,” he said.
Rising Metro Ridership in Pune
The Pune Metro has seen a surge in daily ridership, reaching 1.6 lakh passengers on average, with both Vanaz–Ramwadi and PCMC–Swargate corridors fully operational. The new PCMC–Bhakti-Shakti extension is expected to increase these numbers further, reducing traffic congestion and offering an eco-friendly urban transport alternative.
