Metro Extension to Pune Airport Faces Challenges, Likely to Remain Unrealized

Pune, 22nd February 2024: The envisioned plan to extend a metro line to Pune Airport by connecting it to the Vanaz-Ramwadi line seems likely to stay confined to paper. The realization of providing metro service to Pune Airport would necessitate the construction of an entirely new metro route. It has been revealed that the prospect of extending the metro to Pune Airport appears to be minimal at this point.

Pune Metropolitan Area Development Authority (PMRDA) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have initiated the implementation of three metro lines. Mahametro is responsible for the construction between Vanaz and Ramwadi, with the route plan devised by Delhi Metro. Despite long-standing demands and suggestions, including from Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, for extending the metro route to Pune Airport, it has now become apparent to the administration that these aspirations cannot be fulfilled.
Mahametro is currently in the process of reviewing the Comprehensive Transport Plan (CMP) prepared by PMRDA, and certain key points have been highlighted in this evaluation.

It has been emphasized that extending the existing Vanaz to Ramwadi Metro line to Pune Airport is not feasible. This is primarily due to the absence of considerations for such an extension in the further development of the current route. The existing plan for this route lacks provisions for such an extension.

To construct a metro route to Pune Airport, the ongoing work will need to be halted. The existing road will have to be demolished and redesigned to accommodate the extension to the airport, a process that may take a minimum of one and a half to two years. A strategic decision from the Maharashtra State government and PMC will be necessary for this purpose.

Currently, the proposal to extend the metro to Pune Airport remains on paper due to the numerous challenges involved. Considering these difficulties, alternative routes will need to be explored. The ongoing review of the CMP plan by Mahametro may provide an opportunity to consider these aspects and explore viable alternatives.