Pune, 21st July 2026: As land acquisition for the proposed Purandar International Airport progresses, Pune Metro is exploring the introduction of a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to provide high-speed connectivity between Hadapsar and the upcoming airport.
The Metro administration has initiated a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to examine the feasibility of the project.
The DPR will also study the construction of twin tunnels through Dive Ghat, following directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The report is expected to be completed within the next nine to ten months, after which the state government will take a final decision on the project.
The proposed regional train aims to offer passengers a quicker, safer and uninterrupted journey from Pune city to Purandar Airport before the airport becomes operational.
Currently, travelling from Hadapsar to Purandar by road takes around 70 to 90 minutes. If the regional rail project is implemented, the travel time is expected to reduce by approximately 30 to 40 minutes, significantly improving airport access.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already widened the Dive Ghat section as part of the Palakhi Highway project to strengthen road connectivity in anticipation of increased traffic once the airport opens.
Unlike a city metro, which is designed for frequent stops within urban areas, an RRTS connects major destinations over longer distances at much higher speeds.
The proposed system would feature fully air-conditioned trains equipped with advanced signalling technology and would be capable of operating on both elevated and ground-level tracks.
The trains are expected to have a maximum design speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160 kmph, with stations spaced about 5 to 10 kilometres apart.
The concept is similar to the regional rail network being planned to connect Ghaziabad with Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) in the Delhi-NCR region.
Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar said the project is currently at the feasibility stage.
He said the DPR will examine both the proposed regional rapid train and the twin tunnels through Dive Ghat to create a sustainable and high-speed transport link between Pune and the proposed Purandar International Airport. The report is expected within nine to ten months, after which the government will decide the project's future.
