The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Phase 2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, sanctioning two elevated corridors—Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B)—at an estimated cost of ₹3,626.24 crore, as published by Hindustan Times.
The two corridors, extensions of the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi line under Phase 1, will cover a combined length of 12.75 kilometers and include 13 new stations. The corridors will connect fast-developing suburbs such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is expected to be completed in four years.
In an official statement, the government described the expansion as a “logical extension” of Corridor 2 and said it was in line with Pune’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), which envisions a continuous East-West mass transit link from Chandani Chowk to Wagholi.
The extensions aim to improve access to major IT hubs, business districts, educational institutions, and densely populated residential areas. The plan is expected to boost the share of public transport and increase ridership across the metro network.
The corridors will integrate at the District Court Interchange Station with two other metro lines—Line 1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line 3 (Hinjewadi–District Court)—enabling multimodal connectivity and smoother urban travel.
Pranjal Kulkarni, program manager at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy in India, welcomed the approval. “Connecting Wagholi and Bavdhan will offer faster, reliable transport to thousands,” he said.
Kulkarni emphasized the importance of enhancing last-mile connectivity and integrating PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) bus services. He also stressed the need for better local area planning around metro stations, including improved walkability, cycling infrastructure, and parking management to encourage metro usage and reduce traffic congestion.
The project will be jointly funded by the central government, the Maharashtra state government, and bilateral or multilateral lending agencies.
To further support commuter access, the project includes integration of intercity bus services. Buses from Mumbai and Bengaluru will connect at Chandani Chowk, while services from Ahilya Nagar and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will link at Wagholi, allowing easier metro access for passengers arriving from other cities.
The expansion is also aimed at relieving pressure on heavily congested roads, particularly Paud Road and Nagar Road, by offering a safer, faster, and environmentally friendly travel option.
Projected daily ridership for the full Line 2 corridor is estimated at 96,000 by 2027. The figure is expected to rise to 201,000 in 2037, 287,000 in 2047, and 349,000 in 2057, according to the government.
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) will implement the project and oversee all civil, electro-mechanical, and related construction work. Pre-construction activities, including topographical surveys and detailed design consultancy, have already begun, the statement added.