Hinjewadi-Shivaji Nagar Metro project in Pune likely to face delay
Though the work of the Metro corridor cannot begin until the land acquisition process is complete, guardian minister of Pune, Girish Bapat was confident of solving the problem soon
Marred with hurdles relating to land acquisition for Metro car sheds, completion of the proposed Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro line is likely to be delayed. Officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), which is in charge of construction of the Metro line, said that they are consistently engaging themselves in a process of dialogue with all stake holders of the respective areas to resolve the issue. They added that they are hopeful of clearing all the hindrances shortly, but clarified that the on-field work of the Metro project will not begin as early as expected.
Girish Bapat, guardian minister of Pune, after meeting PMRDA officials on Saturday, said, “Though there has been some opposition against land acquisition for the Metro car shed, some alternative options have now opened up. Officials from the Delhi Metro are also scrutinising the area.”
Though the work of the Metro corridor cannot begin until the land acquisition process is complete, Bapat was confident of solving the problem shortly.
Bapat further added, “While some people are not willing to let go of their land, 25 others have come forward volunteering to give land for the Metro project. We will monitor the places and the work will proceed accordingly.”
Pune’s Metro line 3 between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar is 23.3km in length and is expected to cost Rs8,313 crore. Work of the first two lines, between Pimpri Chinchwad and Swargate, and Vanaz to Ramwadi, has already started.
Gitte had earlier said, “The Metro will connect Hinjewadi, the IT hub, to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. It will reduce traffic congestion and will improve efficiency of the IT hub. The project will be completed using a public private partnership (PPP) model and will improve the quality of people’s life.”
The project will be implemented according to the central government’s new Metro policy. All the stations will be equipped with the latest technology, amenities and state of the art architecture.
The Metro will ply through Hinjewadi, Wakad, Balewadi, Pune University and Shivajinagar. At Shivajinagar, it will align with two other Metro lines at the civil court junction. Passengers can travel through all the three lines using a single ticket.
