Pune: Maha-Metro Floats Revised Tender for Swargate-Katraj Extension with Two New Stations Backed by State Funding
Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swargate-Katraj underground metro extension ahead of last year’s state assembly elections, the actual construction is yet to begin. The only work carried out so far has been soil testing.
Now, Maha-Metro has issued a revised tender for the extension of Metro Line 1 from Swargate to Katraj, which now includes two additional underground stations – Bibwewadi and Balajinagar – after public pressure and intervention by Maharashtra’s guardian minister Ajit Pawar.
The original tender, issued four months ago for the 5.46 km stretch, did not include these two stations, leading to strong opposition from local residents. Responding to the demand, the state government has now stepped in to fund the extra cost of ₹683 crore required for these additions.
According to the revised tender floated on April 11, Phase 1 will now cover underground stations at Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj, while Phase 2 will include Bibwewadi and Balaji Nagar, along with associated tunnels.
Construction is expected to begin within the next three to four months after the evaluation of bids.
Atul Gadgil, director (works), Pune Metro, confirmed, “We have floated a revised tender for the Katraj-Swargate underground extension, including two new stations. The state government’s high-power committee has approved funding for them.”
This move is expected to significantly improve metro connectivity for residents in Bibwewadi and Balajinagar, addressing long-standing transportation issues in southern Pune.
