Pimpri: The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation which is executing the Pune metro rail project, cast the first pillar of Pune metro at Kasarwadi on Tuesday, said its MD Brijesh Dixit on Wednesday. He said the authorities executing the project will consider renaming Pune Metro based on a popular demand from Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Dikshit was speaking to media persons on the occasion of casting of the first pillar of the ambitious Pune metro project, which is likely to be completed by 2021.
He said, “We are open to the proposal for renaming the project, if there is demand from the citizens of Pimpri-Chinchwad.” He said since he has no right to take a decision on this issue, but he will put the suggestion before the government for renaming the metro project.” Putting speculations to rest about the possible land acquisition for a car shade in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Dikshit said, “There will be no car shade in Pimpri-Chinchwad. A car shade will be built on the Agricultural College land, which is sufficient for metro trains, even if the metro project is extended till Nigdi. We are in talks with the PCMC and other government agencies for land acquisition for the stations. All stake holders are positive about handing over land for the stations. We are hopeful that the deal will be finalised soon.”
When asked about the extension of Pune metro up to Nigdi, he said, “We are positive about the extension. If possible, it will be extended during the current work of the metro.
Otherwise, it will be undertaken immediately after completion of first phase. For getting nod for the extension, we need to show progress in the already approved phase to the government.” Dikshit said the Union ministry of finance has nominated European Investment Bank for funding of 600 million euros for the first phase of the project. Various options are being considered to raise remaining 245 million euros for the project. Two European agencies including AFD of France and KFW of Germany are being explored as the funding agencies. Answering a query about the possible demolition of foot-over bridges (FOB) at Vallabh Nagar and Kharalwadi, Dixit said, “Misinformation is being spread about the plan and only one FOB will be demolished. However, the demolition will take place only after the construction of an alternate bridge.”