The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved three key decisions to boost metro connectivity across the state. The projects, with an investment exceeding Rs 240 billion, cover Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur.The Cabinet has sanctioned Mumbai Metro Line-11, an extension of Line-4 (Wadala–Thane–Kasarvadavali). The 17.51 km corridor will connect Anik Depot–Wadala–Gateway of India, with 70 per cent of the stretch underground. It will include 13 underground and one at-grade station.The project, estimated at Rs 234.87 billion, will be executed by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL). The state has also approved seeking Central Government support of Rs 31.37 billion in equity and Rs 9.16 billion in interest-free subordinate debt, while accepting responsibility for loan repayment.The Cabinet also approved raising loans to fund key metro extensions, including:Thane Ring Road MetroPimpri-Chinchwad–Nigdi and Swargate–Katraj corridors in PuneVanaz–Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi–Wagholi extensions of Pune Metro Line-2Khadakwasla–Swargate–Hadapsar–Kharadi line and Nal Stop–Warje–Manikbagh spur under Pune Metro Line-4Nagpur Metro Phase-2The loans will be sourced from bilateral and multilateral agencies at concessional rates, with the state agreeing to bear repayment responsibilities.Two New Stations, Shift in Katraj AlignmentAdditionally, the Cabinet approved two new metro stations—Balajinagar and Bibwewadi—on Pune’s Swargate–Katraj corridor, along with shifting the Katraj station 421 metres southwards for better integration with the PMPML bus terminal. An expenditure of Rs 6.83 billion has been sanctioned, of which Pune Municipal Corporation will contribute Rs 2.27 billion, with the rest raised via loans.The Pune Metro Phase-1 project, spanning 33.28 km across two corridors, is under execution by Maha-Metro, while Line-3 (Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar) is being developed under a PPP model by PMRDA.Officials said the Cabinet decisions will accelerate metro development across Maharashtra’s major cities, reduce congestion, and strengthen sustainable transport infrastructure.News source: The Free Press Journal