Pune Metro
The Pune Metro is a mass rapid transit system serving the Pune metropolitan area in Maharashtra, India, designed to connect key commercial, residential, and IT hubs through elevated and underground corridors to reduce road congestion and promote sustainable urban mobility.[1][2] Developed by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra, the project encompasses three primary lines totaling approximately 66 kilometers, with initial sections of Line 1 (Purple Line, PCMC to Swargate, 17.5 km planned) and Line 2 (Aqua Line, Vanaz to Ramwadi, 17.8 km planned) becoming operational in phases starting March 2022, currently spanning 10.35 km from PCMC to Phugewadi and Vanaz to Garware College.[3][4] As of October 2025, it records over 200,000 daily passengers, reflecting strong demand despite construction delays on extensions like Line 3 (Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, 23.3 km), which have drawn criticism for impacting connectivity to the Hinjawadi IT corridor.[5][6][7]Background and Planning
Historical Context of Urban Transport Needs
Pune experienced accelerated urbanization following India's independence, transitioning from a regional administrative and educational center to an industrial hub, which intensified transport demands. The city's population grew from 1,203,351 in 1981 to 1,566,651 in 1991 and further to 3,132,143 by 2011, fueled by manufacturing expansion and the emergence of the IT sector, positioning Pune as India's second-largest software hub with significant in-migration from rural areas and other states.[8] [9] This demographic surge, coupled with suburban sprawl toward areas like Hinjewadi and Pimpri-Chinchwad, created radial commuting patterns that overwhelmed road networks originally designed for lower densities.[10] Public transport initially depended on bus services, with the Pune Municipal Transport (PMT) commencing operations in 1950 under the Pune Municipal Corporation, offering routes primarily within the core city.[11] By the 1970s, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Transport (PCMT) was established in 1974 to serve the growing industrial belt, but these systems remained bus-centric, with fleets struggling to scale amid rising ridership.[12] The 2007 formation of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) merged PMT and PCMT, yet bus occupancy often exceeded capacity during peaks, prompting heavy reliance on informal modes like auto-rickshaws and the proliferation of private two-wheelers, which constituted over 70% of vehicles by the 2000s.[13] [14] Vehicle registrations compounded the crisis, escalating from 658,313 in 2002 to 3,198,829 by 2020, with post-2010 IT-driven employment adding daily commuters numbering in the hundreds of thousands along corridors like Pune-Mumbai Highway and Old Pune-Mumbai Road.[15] Traffic congestion metrics deteriorated, with average speeds on major arterials falling below 15 km/h during rush hours by the mid-2000s, alongside elevated air pollution from exhaust emissions and increased road fatalities linked to mixed traffic flows.[16] [17] These pressures, rooted in insufficient high-capacity alternatives to buses, underscored the causal link between unchecked vehicle growth and urban immobility, rendering road expansions alone ineffective without dedicated mass transit.[18]Project Initiation and Feasibility Studies
The need for a rapid transit system in Pune emerged in the early 2000s amid rapid urbanization, population growth exceeding 3 million by 2001, and increasing vehicular congestion on arterial roads. In 2001, RITES Ltd., commissioned by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), conducted a preliminary study recommending a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to alleviate traffic pressures, projecting daily ridership potential based on existing bus and rail usage patterns. This report marked the initial conceptualization, emphasizing elevated corridors to minimize land acquisition while integrating with the Pune Municipal Transport Corporation's bus network.[19] Further feasibility was advanced through the 2008 Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Pune City, prepared by PMC consultants, which analyzed multimodal transport options including buses, BRTS, and rail. The CMP identified metro rail as essential for high-density corridors, estimating a cost-benefit ratio favoring metro over expanded bus services due to projected 2031 peak-hour demands exceeding 20,000 passengers per direction on key routes like PCMC-Swargate. It recommended alignments prioritizing IT hubs and commercial districts, supported by traffic surveys showing average speeds below 15 km/h during peaks.[20] In July 2009, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 1 to PMC, evaluating two corridors totaling 31.25 km: Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate, 16.63 km elevated) and Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi, 14.62 km mix of elevated and underground). The DPR incorporated ridership forecasts of 300,000 daily passengers by 2031, financial internal rate of return around 12-14% assuming 50% central funding, and engineering assessments confirming standard gauge viability with minimal environmental disruption via viaducts. Economic feasibility hinged on decongesting roads carrying over 100,000 vehicles daily, though initial cost estimates of ₹4,000 crore faced scrutiny for underestimating land and utility relocation expenses.[21][22] These studies culminated in PMC's approval in early 2010, followed by state cabinet endorsement in April 2012, paving the way for special purpose vehicle formation. However, implementation lagged due to funding negotiations and revised DPRs addressing higher costs from inflation and scope changes, with DMRC updating projections in 2013 to affirm viability despite ridership sensitivities to competing BRTS expansions.[23]Approvals and Organizational Structure
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Pune Metro Phase 1 was submitted to the Maharashtra state government in July 2009, receiving state-level approval on June 12, 2012.[24] The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned Phase 1 on December 7, 2016, approving two elevated corridors totaling 33.23 km at an estimated cost of ₹8,739 crore, with completion targeted within five years from project start.[25] [26] This approval followed delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and local opposition, enabling foundation stone laying by the Prime Minister later that month. Subsequent extensions, such as the Swargate to Katraj addition approved by the Cabinet on August 16, 2024, at ₹2,954 crore, reflect ongoing refinements to Phase 1.[27] Phase 2 received Union Cabinet approval on June 25, 2025, covering 31.64 km across two corridors (Vanaz-Chandani Chowk and Chandani Chowk-Khadakwasla via Hinjewadi) at ₹3,626 crore, with Maharashtra state government endorsement in October 2024.[28] [29] These approvals operate under the equity-sharing model, with central and state governments contributing 50% each, supplemented by loans from financial institutions like the European Investment Bank for specific segments. The project is executed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), a special purpose vehicle incorporated on January 23, 2017, as a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra. [2] Initially established for Nagpur Metro, Maha Metro assumed responsibility for Pune following the 2016 sanction, leveraging expertise from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for planning and implementation. The corporation's board, chaired by an IAS officer (currently Shri Srinivas Katikithala), includes representatives from both governments and oversees engineering, operations, and finance through dedicated directorates for works, strategic planning, and maintenance.[30] This structure ensures centralized coordination, with contracts awarded via competitive bidding to firms like Tata Projects and Larsen & Toubro for civil works.[31]Construction Phases
Phase 1: Core Lines Development
Phase 1 encompasses the construction of two primary corridors totaling 33.1 km: Line 1 (Purple Line) from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate, measuring 17.4 km with 14 stations (9 elevated and 5 underground), and Line 2 (Aqua Line) from Vanaz to Ramwadi, spanning 15.7 km with 16 elevated stations.[32] These lines were designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Pune's densely populated western and central areas, integrating with existing bus rapid transit and suburban rail systems. The total estimated cost for Phase 1 stood at ₹11,420 crore, funded through equity contributions from the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra via the special purpose vehicle Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro).[32] Development began with detailed project reports prepared in the mid-2010s, leading to project sanction in 2016 and formal initiation in December of that year.[32] Civil works contracts for viaducts, stations, and underground sections were tendered in packages starting around 2017, with construction commencing in April 2018 after awards to contractors like Larsen & Toubro for key elevated segments. Progress involved sequential package execution, including pile foundations, pier erection, and segment launching for elevated portions, while underground tunneling for Line 1's city-center sections required diaphragm wall construction and tunnel boring machines. The Aqua Line's fully elevated alignment allowed faster initial progress compared to the Purple Line's mixed configuration, which faced complexities in urban tunneling beneath historical areas like Swargate. Milestones included partial commissioning of Line 2 segments, such as Vanaz to Garware College in March 2022, extension to Ruby Hall Clinic by August 2023, and full Vanaz-Ramwadi operationalization in March 2024.[24] Line 1 saw phased openings, with elevated sections from PCMC toward Shivajinagar functional by early 2024, culminating in full PCMC-Swargate service by September 2024 despite delays from land acquisition disputes, contractor disputes, and pandemic-related disruptions that pushed the original December 2022 target to over a year later.[33] By late 2024, both core lines achieved full operational status, enabling integrated services with 16-hour daily operations and peak frequencies of 3-5 minutes.[32]Phase 1A: Initial Extensions
Phase 1A encompasses the initial extensions to the Pune Metro's core Phase 1 network, focusing on Line 1 (Purple Line) with a 4.413 km elevated northward stretch from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Nigdi and a 5.46 km underground southward extension from Swargate to Katraj.[32][27] The PCMC-Nigdi segment includes four stations—Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Bhakti Shakti—designed to improve access to densely populated northwestern suburbs.[32] Construction on the PCMC-Nigdi viaduct, spanning 4.519 km, began after contract award on March 15, 2024, under a 30-month timeline ending September 11, 2026.[34] As of October 4, 2025, viaduct progress stood at 56% overall, with 86 of 153 open foundations completed, 70 of 153 piers erected, and 703 of 1,329 segments cast.[34] The foundation stone for Phase 1A extensions was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6, 2024.[35] The Swargate-Katraj extension features three underground stations—Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj—to link southern residential and industrial zones, with tenders for station construction invited in October 2024 and work orders anticipated by November 2025.[36] The Union Cabinet approved these extensions on August 16, 2024, at an estimated cost of ₹2,954.53 crore, targeting operational completion by February 2029 to bolster regional decongestation.[27][37] Partial funding includes a €235 million loan from the European Investment Bank for Corridor 1 enhancements.[38] These developments prioritize elevated and underground alignments to navigate urban constraints, with the northern extension advancing faster due to simpler topography compared to the tunneling challenges in the south.[36]Phase 2: Proposed Expansions
Phase 2 of the Pune Metro project encompasses proposed expansions totaling approximately 48.86 km, including new corridors and extensions to connect underserved areas with existing lines and IT hubs.[29] The Union Cabinet approved a portion of Phase 2 on June 25, 2025, allocating ₹3,626.24 crore for two corridors: Corridor 2A from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Corridor 2B from Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi, spanning about 13 km with 13 stations, all elevated.[28] [39] These approvals aim to enhance connectivity to employment centers in Hinjewadi and Kharadi, with construction anticipated to commence no earlier than 2026 and full operationalization by 2031, subject to detailed project reports and environmental clearances.[29] [40] The Maharashtra state government endorsed the detailed project report for an initial 31.63 km segment in October 2024, incorporating Line 4 and Line 5 with 28 elevated stations and an estimated cost exceeding ₹10,000 crore across the broader phase.[40] [41] Line 5, proposed from Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar, measures about 25.5 km and targets residential and industrial zones in southern and eastern Pune to alleviate road congestion.[42] A spur for Line 4 from Nal Stop to Warje-Manikbaug adds 6 km with 6 stations at ₹1,765.38 crore, focusing on western suburbs.[41] Additional proposals include a 12 km extension of Line 2 (Aqua Line) from Ramwadi to Wagholi with 11 stations, integrating with IT corridors and reducing dependency on buses.[23] Further extensions toward Alandi via Vishrantwadi and Dighi are under consideration in the 2025 Comprehensive Mobility Plan, potentially intersecting other routes for better network cohesion.[43] Funding relies on central and state contributions under the equity model, with timelines contingent on tender issuance and land acquisition, historically delayed by local opposition and bureaucratic hurdles.[29] No underground sections are planned in this phase, prioritizing elevated viaducts for cost efficiency and faster execution.[44]Network Details
Line 1 (Purple Line)
Line 1, designated the Purple Line, constitutes the north-south corridor of Pune Metro's Phase 1, extending 17.4 kilometers from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) terminal in the northern suburbs to Swargate in the city center.[32] The route features 14 stations, with the initial segment elevated for 9 stations covering approximately 11.6 kilometers up to Range Hill, followed by a 5.8-kilometer underground alignment through densely populated central areas including Shivaji Nagar and Kasba Peth to Swargate.[32] A maintenance depot occupies 13.27 hectares at Range Hill, supporting train operations and servicing.[24] The line's infrastructure includes standard-gauge tracks with third-rail electrification, designed for driverless automated train operation under Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling to enable high-frequency services.[24] Construction commenced in phases starting around 2017, but encountered delays from land acquisition challenges, utility relocations, and funding disbursements, pushing back initial timelines.[4] Partial operations began with elevated sections opening progressively, culminating in full service from PCMC to Swargate on September 29, 2024, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final 1.75-kilometer underground extension from District Court (Yerawada) to Swargate.[45] [46]| Station Name | Type | Key Connections/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCMC | Elevated | Northern terminus; integrates with local bus and railway services |
| Sant Tukaram Nagar | Elevated | Serves industrial areas |
| Bhosari | Elevated | Proximity to Nashik Phata highway junction |
| Kasarwadi | Elevated | Links to suburban rail |
| Phugewadi | Elevated | Residential and commercial access |
| Dapodi | Elevated | Near military cantonment |
| Bopodi | Elevated | Connects to Khadki area |
| Khadki | Elevated | Integrates with Pune Railway Station vicinity |
| Range Hill | Elevated | Depot location; transition to underground |
| Shivaji Nagar | Underground | Central hub; interchanges with proposed lines |
| District Court | Underground | Serves Yerawada and court complex; final partial opening September 2024 |
| Kasba Peth - Budhwar Peth | Underground | Historical market district access |
| Mandai | Underground | Central bazaar area |
| Swargate | Underground | Southern terminus; bus rapid transit interchange |
Line 2 (Aqua Line)
Line 2, the Aqua Line, is a 14.7 km elevated metro corridor connecting Vanaz in west Pune to Ramwadi in the east, serving 16 stations and facilitating east-west transit across residential, educational, and commercial zones.[23] The route passes through key locales including Deccan Gymkhana, Pune Railway Station, Ruby Hall Clinic, and Viman Nagar, alleviating congestion on parallel roads like Karve Road, JM Road, and Koregaon Park routes.[47] All stations are elevated, with standard specifications including platform screen doors, escalators, and accessibility features for differently-abled users.[45] Construction began in 2017 as part of Phase 1, with the initial 6.5 km stretch from Vanaz to Garware College commissioned on 6 March 2022.[48] Subsequent sections, including Garware College to Ruby Hall Clinic, opened on 1 August 2023, followed by progressive extensions enabling full Vanaz-Ramwadi service by mid-2024.[23] The line operates with three-car trains at frequencies of 5-10 minutes during peak hours, supporting daily ridership integration with Line 1 via proximity at stations like Civil Court.[45] Interchanges occur indirectly with Line 1 (Purple Line) at Pune Railway Station and planned synergies with Line 3 at Ruby Hall Clinic, enhancing network connectivity for commuters from PCMC and Swargate corridors.[48] The infrastructure employs standard gauge tracks (1435 mm) and 25 kV AC overhead electrification, with trains sourced from Titagarh Rail Systems.[23] In June 2025, the Union Cabinet approved Phase 2 extensions totaling approximately 13 km: 1.12 km westward from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk via Kothrud Bus Depot, and 11.63 km eastward from Ramwadi to Wagholi, adding 13 new stations at an estimated cost of Rs 3,626 crore funded equally by central and state governments.[49] Construction on these segments is slated to begin no earlier than 2026, with completion projected by 2031 pending tender awards and land acquisition.[29] These additions aim to extend service to emerging suburbs, though delays in prior phases highlight risks from urban encroachments and funding disbursements.[45]Line 3 (Pink Line)
Line 3, known as the Pink Line, spans 23.3 kilometers as a fully elevated route connecting Megapolis Circle in Hinjawadi—an IT-centric area—to Civil Court in Shivajinagar, facilitating mass transit for commuters between Pune's western suburbs and the city center.[50][51] The line features 23 stations and includes a depot at Maan Village covering 20 hectares.[50] It interchanges with Line 1 (Purple Line) at Civil Court station, enhancing network connectivity.[50] Developed under India's first public-private partnership (PPP) model for Pune Metro by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), the project emphasizes efficient execution through private sector involvement in construction, operations, and maintenance.[6] Geotechnical investigations commenced in June 2019, followed by piling in November 2020 and the launch of the first precast segment in July 2022.[50] Construction advanced to 87% completion by August 2025, with a trial run successfully executed on July 4, 2025, between Maan Depot and PMR 4 station; full operational readiness is targeted for March 2026, though delays from the original March 2023 deadline have occurred due to logistical and procurement challenges.[52][53][50] In September 2025, Keolis secured the 12-year operations and maintenance contract, ensuring specialized management post-completion.[51] The stations are as follows:- Megapolis Circle
- Embassy Quadron Business Park
- Dohler
- Infosys Phase II
- Wipro Phase II
- Pall India
- Shivaji Chowk
- Hinjewadi
- Wakad Chowk
- Balewadi Stadium
- NICMAR
- Ram Nagar
- Laxmi Nagar
- Balewadi Phata
- Baner Gaon
- Baner
- Krushi Anusadhan
- Sakal Nagar
- University
- R.B.I.
- Agriculture College
- Shivaji Nagar
- Civil Court
Rolling Stock and Stations
The rolling stock for Pune Metro Lines 1 (Purple Line) and 2 (Aqua Line) comprises standard-gauge, three-car trainsets manufactured by Titagarh Rail Systems in collaboration with Firema. These aluminium-bodied trains feature a configuration of two driving motor coaches (DMC) and one trailer coach (TC), with a maximum operating speed of 90 km/h and an axle load of 16 tonnes. In August 2019, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation awarded Titagarh a contract for 102 coaches, equivalent to 34 three-car sets, marking India's first production of aluminium metro cars at Titagarh's Kolkata facility. By June 2025, Titagarh secured an additional order for 12 trainsets valued at ₹430.53 crore to support network expansion.[54][55][56] For Line 3 (Pink Line), Alstom supplies 22 three-car Metropolis trainsets, each accommodating up to 1,000 passengers, powered by a 750 V DC third rail system with a maximum speed of 85 km/h. These trains, designed in Hyderabad and manufactured in India, prioritize local production under the 'Make in India' initiative. The first trainset arrived at the Hinjawadi depot in June 2024, enabling trials ahead of full operations.[57][58] Pune Metro's Phase 1 network includes 30 stations across Lines 1 and 2, with Line 1 featuring 14 elevated stations from PCMC to Swargate over 17.4 km, and Line 2 encompassing 16 stations from Vanaz to Ramwadi spanning 15.7 km. Line 3 plans for 23 additional stations along its 23.3 km route from Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, incorporating both elevated and underground segments to navigate urban density. Overall, the system envisions 70 stations, blending elevated viaducts for efficiency and underground stations in central areas for minimal surface disruption, equipped with standard amenities like escalators, elevators, and platform screen doors where operational. As of October 2025, 28 stations are operational, supporting partial services on Lines 1 and 2.[32][59]Operations and Ridership
Daily Operations and Service Metrics
Pune Metro provides daily service on Line 1 (Purple Line) spanning from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate and Line 2 (Aqua Line) from Vanaz to Ramwadi, covering a combined operational length of approximately 33 km with 29 stations.[24] Trains operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, extended from previous schedules starting January 10, 2025, to accommodate evening commuters.[60] During peak hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, trains run every 6 minutes, reduced from 7 minutes effective August 15, 2025, while non-peak intervals are 10 minutes.[61] The system utilizes a fleet of 34 three-car train sets, totaling 102 coaches, enabling up to 554 daily trips across both lines following the frequency enhancement.[62] [63] Each train has a capacity exceeding 1,000 passengers, with a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h and scheduled speeds of 31-33 km/h.[64] As of early October 2025, daily ridership averaged around 200,000 passengers, with Line 1 recording up to 100,000 and Line 2 up to 132,000 on individual days, reflecting growth from 160,000 in March 2025 amid network expansions and frequency improvements.[65] [66] By September 2025, monthly averages reached 253,000 passengers per day, driven by increased connectivity and seasonal demand.[67]Passenger Usage Trends
Pune Metro's passenger ridership began modestly following the partial inauguration of Line 1 (Purple Line) on March 6, 2022, with initial daily averages below 50,000 commuters, reflecting limited operational segments and public adaptation to the new system. Expansions in August 2023, extending service to Civil Court on Line 1 and Ruby Hall Clinic, elevated average daily ridership to 100,000–110,000 passengers, driven by improved connectivity to key commercial and institutional hubs.[68] The commissioning of Line 2 (Aqua Line) in phases starting March 2024 marked a pivotal uptick, with combined lines achieving an average of 93,198 daily passengers by June 2024. Ridership accelerated further into 2025, surpassing 1.5 lakh daily on average from September 2024 onward, amid increased train frequencies reduced to every 6 minutes during peak hours.[69] By mid-2025, daily figures routinely exceeded 2 lakh, peaking at 2.34 lakh on June 23, 2025, following enhanced service metrics and a fare hike on competing bus services by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), which shifted over 16,000 additional daily commuters to metro.[70][71] Line-specific trends highlight Line 2's dominance post its full operationalization, recording 27.08 lakh passengers in October 2024 compared to Line 1's 21.08 lakh, a pattern persisting into 2025 with Line 2 handling 25.97 lakh passengers from May to late June 2025 versus Line 1's 21.15 lakh.[72][62] Overall, the system reached a cumulative 100 million passengers by October 2025, with monthly totals climbing from 4.31 million in February to a record 5.96 million in July.[73][74][75]| Month (2025) | Total Ridership (millions) | Average Daily (thousands) |
|---|---|---|
| February | 4.31 | ~160 |
| March | 4.81 | ~174 |
| April | 4.59 | ~167 |
| May | 4.76 | ~173 |
| June | 5.24 | ~192 |
| July | 5.96 | ~213 |
| August | ~6.60 (est.) | 213 |