Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Delayed: Click to Know the Key Hurdles & New Deadline
Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Delayed: The Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro line in Pune, facing significant hurdles, has been granted an extension until September 2025. This comes after the concessionaire executing the project requested an extension from the initial March 2025 deadline, citing challenges such as traffic congestion and delays in obtaining necessary clearances.
“Construction of ramp and deck slabs is still pending, and certain permissions for specific stretches are yet to be obtained,” a source at the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) revealed. “The integrated flyover, particularly the critical University Chowk to E-Square junction, is a vital component, and Metro operations cannot commence without its completion.”
The 23-km corridor has achieved 74% overall completion, with the flyover segment currently at 65% completion. Initially slated for December 2023, the flyover’s completion has been pushed to March 2024, with full project completion expected by April 2025.
Political Intervention and Acceleration Directives –
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as PMRDA chairman, will preside over a review meeting to assess the revised timeline. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, known for his focus on project acceleration, is expected to emphasize strict adherence to the new deadlines.
Earlier this year, Pawar directed the concessionaire to expedite work, particularly in light of the upcoming assembly elections. He also stressed the importance of round-the-clock construction and swift approvals for traffic diversions.
“This arterial road experiences heavy traffic and VIP movement, especially during the election period, which hampered continuous work,” said a PMRDA official. Proposed traffic diversions offered limited relief, further complicating construction progress.
Key Hurdles:
– Right-of-way clearances
– Shifting utilities
– Delays in installing steel girders at Savitribai Phule Pune University Chowk, primarily attributed to traffic congestion concerns during elections and Diwali.
Upcoming Milestones:
While Metro stations between Maan and Balewadi High Street are projected to be operational by April 2024, significant challenges persist, particularly in the University Chowk area, necessitating road widening and the removal of electricity poles.
The government had previously instructed Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited to prioritize completing the flyover segment between SPPU and E-Square by November 2023. Efforts are underway to expedite permissions for traffic diversions and road widening to minimize commuter inconvenience.
Financial Support:
The Centre recently approved an additional ₹200 crore under viability gap funding, bringing the total released amount to ₹600 crore out of the committed ₹1,200 crore.
The upcoming review meeting will likely focus on addressing the remaining challenges and ensuring the timely completion of this crucial infrastructure project for Pune.
(Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Delayed: New Deadline September 2025)
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