Special Correspondent
Pune: In response to Pune’s rapidly growing population and escalating traffic issues, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s guardian minister Ajit Pawar has directed elected representatives to thoroughly review the proposed ₹1.26 lakh crore transport masterplan. The plan, which spans the next 30 years, was presented by Maha-Metro and aims to address the city’s future transport needs.
During a review meeting on Thursday at the divisional commissioner’s office, Pawar instructed lawmakers to submit their suggestions within seven to ten days. The session focused on updating Pune’s metropolitan transport plan and advancing the second phase of the Pune Metro project. Key public figures including Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, MPs Supriya Sule, Medha Kulkarni, and Sunetra Pawar, along with local MLAs and senior officials, attended the meeting.
Pawar emphasized the importance of careful scrutiny of the transport plan, urging lawmakers to propose measures that could alleviate traffic congestion in the city. He assured them that Maha-Metro would consider the technical and financial feasibility of the recommendations before implementing any changes to the plan.
Maha-Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar presented a detailed overview of the proposed metro corridors, bus rapid transit (BRT) routes, and planned railway expansions. Key highlights of the plan include the addition of new metro lines connecting Hinjewadi to District Court, Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nigdi, and Swargate to Katraj. Furthermore, new bus terminals are proposed at Mangdewadi, Kadam Vasti, Lonikand, and Moshi, along with the redevelopment of major bus depots in Kothrud, Katraj, Hadapsar, Market Yard, and Pimpri. Older terminals at Pulgate, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Nigdi, and other locations will also undergo revamping.
Hardikar emphasized that the transport plan has been developed in line with central government guidelines, which require transport plans to be updated every five years.
With the deadline for feedback now set, Maha-Metro will review the suggestions before finalizing the comprehensive transport plan, which aims to address the city’s long-term mobility challenges.
