Maha Metro to Extend Pune Metro Line 3 to Loni Kalbhor
Pune is set for a significant improvement in its public transport system, with the extension of the much-awaited Metro Line 3. The proposed 31-km extension will connect the current Shivajinagar station to Loni Kalbhor, improving connectivity between key areas of the city and further boosting its urban infrastructure. The extension project is expected to be fast-tracked following the anticipated approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), making way for the state government to issue tenders soon.
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), the agency tasked with executing the project, will oversee the extension of this critical Metro line, which is part of the larger Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Metro Line 3. The decision to move forward with the Loni Kalbhor extension was made after both PMRDA and Maha Metro submitted detailed plans for this vital extension, which is a key element in Pune’s urban transport strategy.
A senior official from Maha Metro confirmed that the project’s costs would be shared by the state and central governments, reflecting the collaborative nature of this high-priority initiative. The extension from Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor is part of a broader effort to improve the connectivity of Pune, particularly in areas that are expected to see significant growth, including the IT hubs of Hinjewadi and Hadapsar, and the upcoming Purandar airport. One of the key drivers for this expansion is the need to connect these growing areas, which are currently facing traffic congestion due to the increasing demand for transportation. The new Metro extension is expected to help address these challenges by providing a reliable and efficient mode of public transport, offering a much-needed alternative to road traffic. Moreover, the connection to Purandar airport will improve accessibility to the region, particularly benefiting commuters travelling to and from the airport once it opens.
The first leg of the Metro project, from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, is currently being developed in a public-private partnership with the Tata Group. This phase is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, and it will form a critical part of the city’s urban transport network. The next focus will be the Loni Kalbhor extension, which is expected to be part of an even larger vision for Pune’s Metro network. In a meeting of the Pune Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA), a decision was made to consolidate efforts and manage all Metro line expansions under one organisation, Maha Metro. This consolidation aims to streamline the execution of various extensions and avoid any overlapping efforts, allowing for smoother project management and greater efficiency.
The state government has already approved several other Metro routes, including the Khadakwasla to Swargate line and the extensions to Hadapsar, with additional connections being planned to improve Pune’s overall urban mobility. This move aligns with the city’s long-term vision for sustainable transport infrastructure, ensuring that Pune can meet the needs of its growing population while reducing congestion and promoting eco-friendly transport options. With the Pune Metro project gaining momentum and government support, the upcoming extension to Loni Kalbhor will be a game-changer for the city’s connectivity, offering commuters faster, greener, and more reliable travel options. As Pune’s metro network expands, the city is on track to become a more connected and modern metropolis, ready to meet the demands of its rapidly growing urban landscape.
