Pune: The launch of the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 has renewed calls for faster Metro expansion in south Pune, with residents seeking to expedite the proposed extension to NIBM, Kondhwa, Undri, Wanowrie and Fatima Nagar.Atul Gadgil, director (works), Maha Metro, told TOI, “The detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed Kondhwa-NIBM-Yewalewadi Metro extension is expected within three months, with Maha Metro awaiting road-widening details from PMC.”“The civic body is likely to submit the pending information next week,” said Gadgil.Road widening along the proposed elevated corridor remains a key prerequisite for the project. Maha Metro has asked PMC and the Pune Cantonment Board to ensure adequate road width before the DPR is finalised and sent for approvals from the civic bodies, the state government and the Centre, said Gadgil.The proposed corridor is part of a 20-km extension that will link Shivajinagar with Yewalewadi via Camp, Pulgate and Kondhwa, with a spur from NIBM Junction to Undri. Consultants for the project have been appointed. Surveys and alignment studies are underway, and the DPR is expected by Feb next year.Maha Metro officials said that if the DPR, road-widening measures and statutory approvals proceed as scheduled, the project could be targeted for completion by 2030-31.Residents’ associations from NIBM, Kondhwa, Undri and Wanowrie have been pressing for the extension, pointing out that the rapidly expanding residential belt continues to lack reliable public transport, forcing thousands of commuters to depend on private vehicles.Sunil Koloti, a member of the Mohammadwadi-Undri Residents Welfare Development Foundation (MURWDF), said the foundation has submitted a proposal with Metro alignment options to the Pune Metro team, seeking an extension to Undri, Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annex.“Over 3.5 lakh people live in Mohammadwadi, Undri and NIBM Annex in around 90,000 homes. Another 5,500 homes are under construction. There are 18 schools in the vicinity. Still, they have no reliable public transport link to major employment hubs such as Hinjewadi, Kharadi and Magarpatta,” said Koloti.“One stalled truck or a water tanker can block an entire stretch in and around NIBM, Handewadi and Undri Chowk. PMPML services remain inadequate, forcing most families to rely on private vehicles, worsening congestion and pollution,” said Koloti.SS Chavan, a Wanowrie resident, told TOI, “In the absence of an outer ring road and adequate connectivity, the proposed Metro line must be prioritised. Residents feel the area has long received step-motherly treatment in terms of public transport.”“A Metro line will offer a faster, more reliable and affordable commute while reducing congestion and pollution. We urge authorities to retain our proposal in the DPR, extend the line to Undri Chowk, Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annex, and prioritise its implementation,” Koloti said.
