Pune could soon see another major expansion of its metro network as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) begins the process of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed Wakad–Shewalewadi metro corridor via Katraj. The ambitious plan may also include a future extension toward Khadakwasla, potentially improving connectivity between western IT hubs and rapidly growing residential areas in southern Pune.
The proposed corridor is still at the planning stage, but the move signals PMC’s intent to strengthen the city’s public transport system and reduce the increasing pressure on Pune’s road network.
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DPR to Determine Feasibility of the New Metro Line
PMC has invited proposals for preparing a Detailed Project Report that will examine the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the metro route. The DPR will play a crucial role in determining the final alignment, station locations, estimated project cost, and expected passenger ridership.
Officials say the study will also assess engineering challenges, land requirements, and how the new corridor can integrate with Pune’s existing and planned metro lines.
Once the DPR is completed, it will be submitted to the Maharashtra government and the central authorities for approval. Only after these clearances will the project move to the construction and funding stage.
Linking Pune’s Western IT Belt With Southern Suburbs
The proposed metro line is expected to connect some of Pune’s most important and rapidly developing areas. Wakad, located close to the Hinjawadi IT hub, has experienced rapid residential and commercial growth over the past decade. Thousands of employees commute daily through the area, leading to heavy congestion on major roads.
By connecting Wakad with southern localities through Katraj, the metro corridor could provide a faster and more reliable travel option for daily commuters.
Katraj is already a major traffic junction due to its location on the Pune–Bengaluru highway and its connection to the Katraj–Dehu Road Bypass. A metro link passing through this area could significantly improve mobility for people traveling between different parts of the city.
Relief for Growing Residential Areas
The corridor would also serve residential pockets such as Kondhwa and Shewalewadi, where population growth has been rapid but public transport options remain limited.
These areas have witnessed a surge in housing developments in recent years, attracting families and working professionals. However, increasing traffic congestion and long commuting times have become major concerns for residents.
A metro line connecting these neighbourhoods to Pune’s wider transit network could dramatically reduce travel time and provide a dependable alternative to road transport.
Possible Extension Toward Khadakwasla
Authorities are also considering the possibility of extending the proposed line beyond Shewalewadi to Khadakwasla, a region known for educational institutions and expanding residential communities.
Khadakwasla is home to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and several educational campuses. Improved metro connectivity could make the area more accessible and support future urban development in Pune’s southwestern corridor.
While the extension is still under consideration, it reflects long-term planning aimed at ensuring that metro infrastructure keeps pace with the city’s expanding boundaries.
Strengthening Pune’s Metro Network
Pune Metro is gradually expanding with multiple corridors either operational or under development. The Wakad–Shewalewadi route could become a critical link in the city’s growing mass rapid transit system.
Urban planners believe that expanding metro connectivity to emerging suburbs will not only ease traffic congestion but also encourage people to shift from private vehicles to public transport.
If the proposed corridor moves forward after the DPR stage and receives the necessary approvals, it could become a significant addition to Pune’s transport infrastructure, connecting the city’s western IT belt with southern residential zones and potentially extending metro access all the way to Khadakwasla.
