Pune: Murlidhar Mohol Unveils Bold New Metro Plans; Kharadi To Airport, Double-Decker Flyovers, And More

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has proposed new metro rail routes aimed at enhancing Pune's public transport system. During a recent meeting with the Managing Director of Pune Metro, Shravan Hardikar, important recommendations were made to ensure efficient and accessible metro services for Pune residents. The Municipal Commissioner, Rajendra Bhosale, has been instructed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed changes.

Kharadi to Pune International Airport Metro Line

Mohol has suggested extending the metro line from Kharadi to Pune Airport. The Pune Municipal Corporation has been directed to prepare a DPR for this extension, which should be integrated into the existing Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi metro line. This route, running from Pune International Airport to Khadakwasla, is expected to enhance connectivity and ease travel to and from the airport.

Kharadi as an Interchangeable and Multimodal Transport Hub

With Kharadi's rapid commercial and residential growth, Mohol has recommended developing it as a major Interchangeable and Multimodal Transport Hub. The proposed hub will enable passengers to access the airport directly from various metro routes, including the Chandni Chowk to Wagholi line, Nigdi to Swargate line, Shivajinagar to Kharadi, and others. This central hub will significantly improve connectivity across Pune and its suburbs.

Katraj to Hinjewadi Metro Route

Mohol also proposed the urgent need for a metro line connecting Katraj to Hinjewadi, an area experiencing rapid development. The new route will address the growing traffic congestion and improve transportation between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, creating a circular metro route that serves both cities efficiently.

Double-Decker Flyover from Bhusari Colony to Chandni Chowk

In response to heavy traffic congestion between Vanaj and Chandni Chowk, Mohol suggested the construction of a double-decker flyover. This flyover will facilitate smoother traffic flow while the Vanaj to Chandani Chowk metro line is being developed. Building upon the success of the double-decker flyover at Nalstop, this solution aims to reduce congestion and improve overall traffic management.

These proposals are part of ongoing efforts to enhance Pune's public transportation infrastructure and ensure a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable metro network for the city's growing population.

Meanwhile, Pune Metro generated ₹7.87 crore in revenue in January 2025, while the ridership was 49.69 lakh in the month, officials said on Sunday. The Ramwadi to Vanaz line contributed significantly more — ₹4.22 crore with a ridership of 27.66 lakh — compared to the PCMC to Swargate line, which raked in ₹3.64 crore with a ridership of 21.98 lakh, they added.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for FY 2025-26 on Saturday. In her presentation, she made a provision of ₹699.13 crore for Pune Metro