Progress and Prospects: PCMC-Nigdi Metro Corridor
The PCMC-Nigdi stretch is distinguished by its strategic location and comprehensive development, making it a unique feature within the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area. This corridor serves as a critical connector between various industrial and residential zones, facilitating seamless movement and accessibility. Key highlights of this stretch include prominent educational institutions such as D.Y. Patil College and Modern College of Engineering, vital transport hubs like the Nigdi Bus Stand, numerous commercial centers and retail outlets, advanced healthcare facilities, recreational areas like Bhakti Shakti Park, well-planned residential complexes, and a vibrant community atmosphere with various cultural events and festivals.
The PCMC-Nigdi extension line is a logical extension of the existing Corridor-1 of the Pune Metro Phase-1 Project towards the north and will further improve the share of public transport, increasing ridership. The PCMC-Nigdi metro extension spans 4.413 kilometers and includes four elevated stations: Chinchwad Station, Akurdi Station, Nigdi Station, and Bhakti-Shakti Station. This extension line will cater to:
- Chinchwad Station – Serving commercial, residential, industrial, and religious places, and integrating with Chinchwad Indian Railway Station.
- Akurdi Station – Serving residential, educational, and industrial areas.
- Nigdi & Bhakti-Shakti Stations – Serving residential, entertainment, and religious places, and integrating with the city bus depot connecting semi-urban areas like Dehu, Chikhali, Talegaon, and Vadgaon.
The city boasts excellent infrastructure, including well-planned road networks, connectivity via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and public transport options with upcoming metro links. Renowned for its educational institutions and advanced healthcare facilities, PCMC ensures a high quality of life. The city’s commitment to green spaces, eco-friendly initiatives, and cultural diversity, along with ongoing Smart City projects, further enhance its appeal, making it a prime destination for residents, businesses, and investors.
The Government of India sanctioned the project on October 23, 2023, with viaduct and structural work for the stations awarded to RVNL. The Bhoomipoojan was conducted on March 6, 2024. The European Investment Bank has been onboarded, and tree felling/transplantation permission has been granted. Land requirements have been sent to PCMC and private parties. The RVNL team has been mobilized, and geotechnical investigation is in progress. The Design Basis Report has been approved, and detailed design of stations and viaduct is underway. Additionally, the casting yard has been finalized.
The Pune Metro Rail Project consists of two corridors: the North-South Corridor (Purple Line) and the East-West Corridor (Aqua Line), with a total length of 33.2 kilometers and 30 stations. The elevated section is 27.2 kilometers, and the underground section is 6 kilometers. There are two maintenance depots, one each at Range Hills and Vanaz. Sections from PCMC to Phugewadi (7 kilometers) and Vanaz to Garware (5 kilometers) were inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi on March 6, 2022. Sections from Phugewadi to Civil Court (6.91 kilometers, 4 stations) and Garware to Ruby Clinic (4.75 kilometers, 7 stations) were inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi on August 1, 2023. On March 6, 2024, the line from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi (6 kilometers) was inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi.
