Central Government Approves Pune Metro Extension from Chandni Chowk to Wagholi
In a major boost to urban mobility in Pune, the Central Government has officially approved the second phase of the Pune Metro, which includes an extension of the Vanaj–Ramwadi route to Chandni Chowk and Wagholi. The announcement was made by Muralidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
The proposed metro extension will feature two elevated lines spanning a total of 12.75 kilometers and include 13 new stations. The project aims to connect fast-growing suburban areas such as Chandni Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi, thereby improving accessibility and reducing traffic congestion in these regions.
Construction is set to begin soon and is projected to be completed within the next four years.
The total estimated cost of the extension stands at ₹3,626 crore, which will be jointly funded by the Central and State Governments. The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen east-west connectivity across Pune, complementing the city’s existing metro network.
The new extension will integrate seamlessly with Metro Line-1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line-3 (Hinjewadi–District Court) at the District Court station. This interconnection will enable commuters to switch between different routes with ease, improving overall travel efficiency.
One of the standout features of the extension is its planned connectivity to IT parks, educational institutions, commercial zones, and residential areas. Additionally, the project envisions multimodal integration—linking metro stations to intercity buses:
At Chandni Chowk, buses arriving from Mumbai and Bengaluru will be linked with the metro.
At Wagholi, buses from Aurangabad and Ahmednagar will be connected.
This approach aims to create a cohesive and accessible public transport system that reduces reliance on private vehicles.
The extended lines are expected to alleviate traffic congestion on Paud Road and Nagar Road, offering a fast, safe, and eco-friendly travel alternative. According to projections:
Daily ridership is estimated to reach around 96,000 by 2027.
By 2057, the number of daily commuters is expected to grow to approximately 3.5 lakh.