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One of the proposed stations, Balajinagar, has already received approval from the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
the SNDT to Manikbaug and Khadakwasla to Kharadi routes are still under initial review by the Union Government. (Photo: Magic Bricks)
Madhuri Misal, Maharashtra’s Urban Affairs Minister, recently announced that she has proposed two additional stations on the Swargate-Katraj Road stretch of the Pune Metro to help ease the city’s traffic problems.
One of the new stations, Balajinagar, has already been approved by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited. The Swargate to Katraj route falls under the Parvati Assembly constituency, which is represented by Misal.
According to The Indian Express, the minister also shared that two metro extensions – the 1km-long Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and the 7km-long Ramwadi to Vithalwadi routes – are nearing final approval. Meanwhile, the SNDT to Manikbaug and Khadakwasla to Kharadi routes are still under initial review by the Union Government.
When asked about the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), Misal explained that while it worked well in other cities, Pune’s BRTS struggled due to a shortage of buses from Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).
“BRTS relies on a strong bus fleet for fast commuting. The shortage of buses and lack of space for dedicated routes led to congestion, rather than improved transport,” she said. She added that 1,000 new buses will soon join the PMPML fleet.
Misal also announced that the administration has been instructed to create a map of all bus stops, metro stations, railway stations, and autorickshaw stands. This map will be displayed across the city to help citizens easily access public transport.
