Minister of State for Urban Development of Maharashtra, Madhuri Misal, on Monday said that the state government’s priority is to improve public transportation in Pune. The Pune Metro project is crucial for reducing traffic congestion, and the government is making efforts to expedite its progress, she added.

From the moment she took charge, Misal stated that her focus is on "Transport Mapping" to alleviate traffic congestion. She mentioned that a comprehensive map is being prepared in collaboration with various agencies to provide passengers with clear information about the locations of metro, bus, train, and rickshaw services.

In order to increase metro ridership, Misal suggested that a well-thought-out plan be put in place to connect metro stations with nearby bus and rickshaw stands, ensuring convenient access for passengers.

She was speaking at a review meeting held at the Pune Metro office in Shivajinagar, where the ongoing metro projects and their future progress were discussed in detail.

In the meeting she informed that the central government has approved the proposed underground metro line connecting three stations — Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj — starting from Swargate Metro Station in the city center, covering a distance of 5.5 kilometers to Katraj. Following this approval, the tender process for the project will begin, and the work order will be issued soon, she added.

Update on all the lines

Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal, instructed the Pune Metro Administration to evaluate the feasibility of adding two more metro stations — Balajinagar and Sahakarnagar-Bibwewadi — on this line to cater to passenger demand.

The proposal for two other metro lines in Pune, from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and from Ramwadi to Wagholi (Vitthalwadi), is currently under review by the central government and is expected to receive final approval at the next cabinet meeting.

Two of the major praposed routes in Pune, from Khadakwasla to Kharadi and from Manikbaug-Warje-SNDT, have been submitted to the central government. Misal infirmed that they will undergo further review by an expert committee before a decision is made.

While speaking about the development of a multimodal transport hub at Swargate Metro Station, Misal said that it will be connected to the Swargate ST station.

She also requested Pune Metro to submit a proposal to MSRTC for this connection, which, if approved, would benefit passengers by improving accessibility. A new agreement between MSRTC and Pune Metro will be signed soon, and work will begin accordingly, she added.

Furthermore, plans are underway to integrate the Shivajinagar ST station with the Shivajinagar Metro Station, with a joint meeting scheduled for next week in the presence of the Guardian Minister to discuss the project's progress.

To further enhance metro ridership, plans are also being made to provide bus and rickshaw stands near metro stations, ensuring passengers have convenient access to other modes of transport.