Maharashtra: The metro construction from Pimpri to Nigdi is progressing swiftly, with the MahaMetro administration aiming to complete the project within the next two and a half years. Currently, the foundation work for the stations at Nigdi and Akurdi has been finished, and the Chinchwad station’s construction will commence in the upcoming phase.
Traffic disruptions due to ongoing work have been addressed by appointing 40 private wardens, alongside local traffic police who are coordinating efforts to ease congestion at affected spots.
Residents have long demanded an extension of the metro route from Swargate to PCMC building up to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved this extension on October 23, 2023, following which the Pune Metro Administration released the tender on December 16.
The extended route will feature metro stations at Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi Pradhikaran, and Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, with initial barricading and soil testing already underway at Bhakti-Shakti Chowk and Pavle Bridge.
The metro construction works have gained momentum, with the foundation work at Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi and the metro station at Akurdi now completed. Following this, the construction of the Chinchwad station is set to begin, alongside the pillar erection work extending up to Nigdi.
Barricades have been placed on both sides to facilitate these works. The Metro administration has informed the transport department about the project’s plans to ensure smooth traffic flow, to complete the project in two and a half years.
Additionally, metro officials announced that the Khadki station is expected to be completed and operational by the end of November, offering residents in the Khadki area access to Metro services. In response to a relatively lower number of passengers at Phugewadi and Kasarwadi, Metro plans to boost commuter numbers at these stations.
“The works up to the foundation of metro stations at Nigdi and Akurdi have been completed. Metro administration aims to complete the work in two and a half years. Pillar work is also in progress. Work is fast,” said Hemant Sonawane, Public Relations Officer, MahaMetro.
