2 weeks Ago By Sarang Dastane
Pune: Maha Metro has received necessary permissions for the groundwork of the PCMC to Nigdi extension from the civic body and and traffic police. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation-Nigdi is the first major extension of the Metro project following the recent commencement of two corridors — Vanaz to Ramwadi and PCMC to Swargate. Work on another key Metro extension, which will cover areas from Swargate to Katraj, is expected to begin next year around Feb.
A Maha Metro official said clearance from PCMC and traffic police was crucial to expedite the project's fieldwork, which includes construction of a 4.5km Metro viaduct and stations at Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Bhakti-Shakti Chowk. The viaduct will be supported by around 150 pillars, The foundation work for the pillars has started at various locations between Pimpri and Nigdi.
According to the plan, the work is expected to be completed in the next two-and-a-half to three years. The extension of the Metro to Bhakti Shakti Chowk will benefit people working in the industrial areas of Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi. A significant number of students travelling to educational institutes in these areas from Pune will also be able to avail of the Metro services.
"The groundwork for the PCMC-Nigdi extension stretch started in July. Simultaneously, Maha Metro approached PCMC and traffic police for various permissions as the work is slated in areas witnessing heavy traffic. Maha Metro has received the go-ahead for work at most locations.
We are barricading the stretches where work has started," another Maha Metro official said As per the plan, the maximum portion of the viaduct is being constructed on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. The plan is to finish the viaduct work on priority. Maha Metro has also identified locations of the four stations and initiated the process to appoint an agency for thei construction.
"Talks with PCMC and state govt for allotment of land required for the entry-exit points of the stations have started. We hope to soon finish the discussions on land allocation for the Metro services. PCMC, state govt, and Maha Metro are expected to finalise the details," the official said.
Regular Metro travellers to PCMC said the extension work should have been part of the Swargate-PCMC corridor. Akash Shinde, who often travels to Nigdi from Pune, said, "Commuters will have to wait at least three more years for Metro services beyond Pimpri as the extension was not part of the Swargate-PCMC corridor." Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India .
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