Pune Metro To Appoint Technical Consultant For Rs 10,000 Crore Expansion On Phase 2 Project

Maharashtra government on Monday (14 October) approved the construction of two new metro rail routes in the Pune city.

As part of the project’s implementation, a technical expert is expected to be appointed soon to oversee the massive infrastructure undertaking, along with extension work on the ongoing Phase 1.

"A general consultant with technical expertise is being appointed for the overall project, as Pune Metro currently lacks sufficient technical staff to implement this mega project," said Atul Gadgil, Director of Pune Metro.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting and will see the development of the Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi and Nalstop-Dahanukar Colony-Warje-Manikbaug metro lines, according to an official announcement.

The combined length of the two routes will span 31.63 kilometers and include 28 stations. The project will be executed by Maha Metro at an estimated cost of Rs 9,897 crore. However, construction will only begin after the Centre grants final clearance.

Meanwhile, Phase 1 of the Pune Metro is fully operational, with services running between Vanaz and Ramwadi, and from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate. While extensions from Swargate to Katraj and PCMC to Nigdi are underway, further extensions from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi are still awaiting central approval.

Gadgil noted that the implementation of Phase 1 has been a learning experience for Pune Metro. The organization is now better equipped to tackle challenges during the extension phase. "We faced several hurdles during the first phase, but we have developed a strategy to ensure that the extension is completed on time. The consultant for Phase 1 is completing its tenure, and a new agency will take over responsibility," Gadgil explained reports Indian Express.

The newly appointed agency will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of the project, from design and procurement to construction, installation, and safety protocols. It will also provide training for Pune Metro personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of the system, and ensure that the necessary approvals from the commissioner of railway safety are obtained.

"The agency’s role is to ensure timely completion and commissioning of the different sections, coordinating effectively between all stakeholders," Gadgil added.