Pune: The Swargate to Katraj underground metro corridor, which was originally planned with three stations, will now have five stations based on citizen demand. However, this expansion has led to a cost increase of ₹683 crore, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has refused to bear the additional financial burden.

The 5.46 km underground metro line, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few months ago, originally included stations at Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. However, citizens and public representatives pointed out that the large distance between stations was inconvenient, prompting the addition of two more stations at Bibwewadi and Balajinagar.

Revised Metro Station Plan

• The Swargate to Katraj underground metro corridor was initially planned with three stations: Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj.

• Based on public demand, two additional underground stations have been included, increasing the total count to five.

• The new stations will be at Bibwewadi and Balajinagar, while the locations of Padmavati and Katraj stations have been revised. This revision has increased the project cost from ₹2,954 crore to ₹3,637 crore.

Funding Structure & PMC’s Stand

Under the original financial model:

• 10% of the cost was to be covered by the central government

• 15% by the state government

• 15% by PMC

The remaining 60% would be arranged through loans

PMC was initially responsible for ₹248.52 crore, including land acquisition costs. However, the addition of two stations has increased PMC’s expected contribution by ₹102 crore, which the civic body has refused to pay.

Yuvraj Deshmukh, Chief Engineer, PMC: “A proposal to add two metro stations has been submitted to PMC. However, we have informed MahaMetro that we will not bear the additional cost.”

Hemant Sonawane, Director (Public Relations), MahaMetro: “The financial structure for the project has already been decided. The decision on whether PMC should contribute to the increased cost will be taken by the state government.”

With the funding deadlock, it remains uncertain whether the additional metro stations will be constructed as planned.

Updated Station Locations:

• Bibwewadi Station – Near Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Auditorium

• Padmavati Station – Near Shankar Maharaj Math (revised location)

• Balajinagar Station – In front of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

• Katraj Station – Near PMPML Depot (revised location)