Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne Proposes New Metro Lines to Address Pune’s Traffic Issues

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 31st July 2024: For the development of Pune Metro, Shiv Sena leader and Maval MP Shrirang Barne, has taken significant steps. MP Barne met with the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of India, Manohar Lal Khattar, to present a request for new metro lines. The proposed lines would connect Bhakti Shakti Chowk to Mukai Chowk in Kiwale, extending to Wakad. Additionally, a request for a metro line from Pimple Saudagar to Chakan has also been submitted.

Areas such as Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Kiwale, Punawale, Ravet, Chinchwad, Chakan, Alandi, and Bhosari are currently not connected by the metro. The construction of these lines would address the traffic issues prevalent in these regions.

MP Barne shared this update on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “It is my duty to enhance the comfort of citizens with the singular goal of overall development in Maval. Today, I met the Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Manohar Lalji to discuss the expansion of the metro project. I have submitted a request for the extension of the metro from Bhakti Shakti Chowk to Mukai Chowk in Kiwale and from Pimple Saudagar to Chakan. This request addresses the growing population and traffic problems in Pimpri Chinchwad, and the metro extension will greatly benefit citizens working in industrial areas like Chakan. I hope that work on this metro extension will commence soon, ensuring a smoother journey for my constituents!”

Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad face increasing traffic issues due to rapid development and population growth. Improving public transport efficiency is a crucial measure to address these issues. While Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has been operational, it has not fully met the city’s needs. The Pune Metro has emerged as a promising solution.

Currently, the Pune Metro operates on two lines: the Purple Line and the Aqua Line. The Purple Line runs from PCMC Bhavan to Swargate, connecting major areas like Nashik Phata, Dapodi, Bopodi, and Shivajinagar. The Aqua Line connects Vanaj Corner to Ramwadi, linking areas such as Deccan, JM Road, Pune Railway Station, and Yerawada. A third line, the Red Line, is under construction and will connect Hinjawadi to Pune, covering areas like Baner, Balewadi, Wakad, and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). District Court, Pune Metro Station will serve as the interchange station for all three lines.

मावळचा सर्वांगीण विकास हे एकच ध्येय मनी बाळगून नागरिकांचे जीवन सुखकर करणे हे माझे कर्तव्यच आहे. खासदार म्हणून कार्यरत असताना मेट्रो प्रकल्पाच्या विस्ताराकरिता माननीय गृहनिर्माण आणि शहरी व्यवस्थापन मंत्री श्री. मनोहर लालजी यांची आज भेट घेतली. भक्ती – शक्ती चौक ते किवळे मुकाई चौक,… pic.twitter.com/sNp1nRjO1M

— Shrirang Appa Barne (@MPShrirangBarne) July 30, 2024

However, many densely populated areas remain unconnected. Currently, the Purple Line is being extended to Nigdi, with demands for it to reach Katraj from Swargate. Additionally, there is a push to extend the Aqua Line to Pune Airport, Warje, and Sinhagad Road. If MP Barne’s proposal is accepted, the Pune Metro’s full operational capacity would provide near-complete connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion on the roads.