Pune: In a bid to tackle worsening traffic congestion, a 30-year transport infrastructure plan has been unveiled for Pune and its surrounding areas. The District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) meeting saw the presentation of a ₹1.26 lakh crore proposal aimed at improving urban mobility through 10 new metro corridors and an upgraded bus transport system.
Pune’s Traffic Woes and the Need for Expansion
A recent global traffic survey ranked Pune third worldwide and fourth in India for severe traffic congestion. With an increasing number of vehicles on the roads, commuters face daily challenges due to gridlocked traffic. To mitigate congestion and enhance connectivity, the District Planning Committee has proposed an extensive metro expansion alongside a major boost to public bus transport services.
Key Features of the Metro Expansion Plan
The proposed metro network spans 276 kilometers, connecting Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and neighboring towns. The plan includes:
10 new metro corridors
Three-phase implementation over 30 years
₹1,26,498 crore investment
Integration of suburban connectivity with Pune city
Two metro routes, Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi, have already been submitted to the central government for approval.
Major Boost to PMPML Bus Services
Alongside metro development, PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) has proposed significant enhancements to the bus network, aiming to complement metro connectivity. The proposal includes:
6,000 new buses, including electric buses
641 new bus routes
18 additional transit corridors
20 new bus terminals
List of Proposed Metro Corridors
Vanaz to Chandni Chowk
Ramwadi to Wagholi
District Court to Yewalewadi
University Chowk to Dehu Road
Kharadi to Khadakwasla
Nigdi to Chakan
Hadapsar to Saswad Road
Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor
District Court to Alandi
Wakad Chowk to Shewalewadi
