Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro) has commenced the tendering process to appoint detailed design consultants for 14 elevated stations on the Kharadi–Khadakwasla corridor, anticipating approval from the Union government for Pune Metro Phase-2. This step aims to expedite project execution once the final nod is received.The Maharashtra government had approved the Phase-2 expansion plans in October 2024, and the proposal was submitted to the Centre in early March 2025. The 31.64-km Phase-2 will consist of two corridors with an estimated cost of Rs 98.97 billion.Phase 2 plans include 28 elevated stations, and Maha-Metro has divided the project into two parts, inviting tenders in phases. The first tender, floated in March 2025, covers 14 stations—eight stations from PL Deshpande Udyan to Khadakwasla on the Kharadi–Khadakwasla line, and six stations from Nal Stop to Daulat Nagar on the Nal Stop–Manik Baug corridor.On May 28, Maha-Metro issued a second tender for the remaining 14 elevated stations between Kharadi Chowk and Dandekar Pul. These stations include Kharadi Bypass, Kharadi Chowk, Sainathnagar, Hadapsar Railway, Magarpatta North, Magarpatta Main, Magarpatta South, Hadapsar, Ramtekdi, Fatimanagar, Racecourse, Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), Seven Loves Chowk, Swargate North, and Dandekar Pul.Maha-Metro officials highlighted that the tender process has been initiated in advance to avoid delays, allowing contract awards to proceed immediately after receiving central approval.Meanwhile, construction on the Swargate–Katraj underground extension of Pune Metro’s Line 1 is scheduled to begin in July. This follows the release of a revised tender on April 11, which covers the design and construction of underground stations at Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj (Stage I), as well as Bibwewadi and Balaji Nagar (Stage II), along with associated tunneling work. The addition of Bibwewadi and Balaji Nagar stations increased the project cost by Rs 6.83 billion, with the Maharashtra government agreeing to cover the extra expense.To accelerate the expansion of Pune Metro, Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol recently met the Union Urban Development Minister in New Delhi to push for faster approvals on pending proposals. The discussions focused on securing cabinet approval for the Vanaz–Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi–Wagholi corridors, as well as Public Investment Board clearance for the Kharadi–Hadapsar–Swargate–Khadakwasla and Nal Stop–Warje–Manik Baug routes. The meeting underscored a strong commitment to hasten development of the proposed metro lines, with expectations of a favourable decision soon.News source: Hindustan Times