metro train - ON THE RIGHT TRACK

After a long wait, construction work for the Pune metro has finally taken off

KANCHAN.GOGATE

Metro is expected to bring a lot of respite to the city that has always faced the challenge of poor public transport. After many discussions, objections and suggestions, the metro plan for the city was finalised a year ago and now the Phase I construction has started on a fast track.

Pune metro has been proposed on two routes —Swargate to Pimpri and Vanaz to Ramwadi. The first route has a number of PCMC stations like Tukaram Nagar, Bhosari, Kasarwadi, Phugewadi, Dapodi, Bopodi and Khadki.

ADMINISTRATIVE PUSH

The state administration has asked authorities to make integrated transport hub alongside Pune metro at Swargate. The hub will integrate the services of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Metro rail to ensure better facilities to commuters and smooth switching from one service to another.

RESIDENTS' DEMAND

Pimpri-Chinchwad Citizen Forum has demanded that the metro route should be extended up to Nigadi instead of Pimpri. With Nigadi being one of the most developed areas of PCMC, many citizen and activist groups feel that the extension serves the purpose. The current route ends at Pimpri. Extension would benefit Chinchwad, Akurdi and Nigdi residents.