The state government has approved two new underground metro stations at Bibvewadi and Balajinagar on the proposed Swargate–Katraj corridor. The project cost for both stations has been estimated at Rs 6.83 billion.

Of the sanctioned amount, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will contribute Rs 2.27 billion, the state government will provide Rs 1.16 billion, and Rs 3.41 billion will be raised through loans.

Deputy Chief Minister and Pune district guardian minister Ajit Pawar said the stations will improve metro accessibility for residents of Dhankawadi and Bibvewadi, two of Pune’s most densely populated areas.

Originally, only four stations were planned along the corridor, leaving out several high-density zones such as Dhankawadi, Balajinagar, Bibvewadi, and Bharti Vidyapeeth. Following demands from local leaders, PMC submitted a revised proposal, which has now been approved.

The state government has also sanctioned shifting the Katraj metro station 471 metres from its earlier proposed location. Further, in-principle approval has been given for raising loans for the Vanaz–Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi–Wagholi corridors, while agreeing to bear the loan costs for the Khadakwasla–Swargate–Hadapsar–Kharadi line.

Officials said the approvals mark an important step in strengthening last-mile connectivity and easing congestion in Pune’s southern belt.

News source: Hindustan times