Good News! Mahametro to Add Fourth Station at Balajinagar on Swargate-Katraj Metro Line; Project Cost to Increase by ₹200-300 Crore | X/@mohol_murlidhar
Mahametro has decided to modify the proposed underground metro line from Swargate to Katraj for the benefit of the Punekars in this area. This change is expected to increase the project’s cost by ₹200 to ₹300 crore. Following the commissioning of the Swargate to Pimpri Chinchwad metro line, the Swargate to Katraj metro line is being expanded.
The foundation stone for this extended metro line was laid online by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two months ago. After the inauguration of the Civil Court to Swargate underground metro line, the foundation stone for the Swargate to Katraj underground metro line was also laid. Three metro stations were originally planned for this expanded metro project. However, due to requests from local representatives and residents, a fourth metro station will now be added. Mahametro has decided to build this new station at Balajinagar, and the Pune Municipal Corporation has given in-principle approval for it.
With this new station, passengers from the Balajinagar and Dhankawadi areas will benefit. However, the municipal corporation will not bear the financial burden of constructing the new station, so Mahametro will cover the cost.
The detailed project report (DPR) for the Swargate to Katraj metro line initially proposed three stations: Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. Since there is a metro station right after Padmavati, passengers from the Dhankawadi and Balajinagar would have faced potential difficulties. Local representatives had requested that a fourth station be built at Balajinagar. A few years ago, a resolution was also passed by the Municipal Corporation for this. After the foundation stone laying ceremony for the extended line, the demand for the metro station gained momentum. A new resolution from the Municipal Corporation was needed, as the one passed earlier was outdated. Mahametro had requested Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale to initiate a new resolution.
The administration has given in-principle approval to build the new metro station at Balajinagar. This proposal has been submitted to the standing committee for approval. It has been agreed that the municipal corporation will not bear the cost of constructing the station. The municipal corporation will provide the necessary land, and Mahametro will cover the entire construction cost.
Considering the public representatives’ demand and the needs of passengers, Mahametro inspected the site. According to the rules, the distance between two metro stations should not exceed 1 to 1.5 kilometers. However, the distance between the Padmavati and Katraj stations on this extended metro line is 1,900 meters. Keeping this in mind, Mahametro has agreed to build the new station at Balajinagar, as requested by municipal officials.
Features of the Swargate-Katraj Extended Route:
5.463 km long route
Approved project cost: Rs 2954.53 crore
Pune Municipal Corporation’s share: Rs 181.21 crore
Distance between the second and third stations: 1.9 km
Convenient for passengers from Dhankawadi, Balajinagar, and KK Market areas
The project cost is expected to increase by ₹200 to 300 crore due to the addition of the new station.
