Building Metro’s Corridor II to be a daunting task

Earlier last week, the Pune Metro Rail Project was approved by the state government of Maharashtra, which also decided to partially fund the project. While 40% of the total cost would be provided by the state and the central government, the rest would be funded by PMC, PCMC and the private market.

Features of the Metro Rail Project

As per the proposal, the Pune metro rail project comprises 2 phases. The first phase would cover routes from Chinchwad to Swargate (Line 1) and from Vanaz to Ramwadi (Line 2). The second phase would include Line 3 that stretches from Deccan Gymkhana to Bund Garden, and Line 4 that would run from ASI to Hinjewadi. The proposal for the first corridor (Chinchwad to Swargate) that covers an area of about 16.59km was cleared by the state government on September 30th. It was stated that the corridor would be partly underground and elevated.

While an area of about 15 km would be covered by Line 2, Line 3 would stretch a distance of 11km and Line 4 would run a distance of about 18 km. An approximate cost of Rs.6900 crores for the first phase, and Rs.3200 crores for the second phase is estimated.

Development of Corridor II – A tedious task

As per reports, it has emerged that the development of the second corridor would prove tougher than the first one. Corridor II would cover a distance of about 15km and would run from Vanaz to Ramwadi. Starting from Vanaz, the metro would pass through Kalyani Nagar ,Yerwada, Bund Garden, Ruby Hall, Pune Station, Poolgate, Mangalwar Peth, Civil Court, ASI, Deccan Gymkhana, Nal Stop, Ideal Colony and Anand Nagar, before reaching its destination at Vanaz. The rail track is proposed to the completely elevated.

Corridor II starts from the old garbage depot in Vanaz, which is the proposed site for the construction of PMC’s Shivaji memorial. Making the concerned party to give up the claims on the land may prove tedious for the authority. The stretch from Paud Road to Ruby Hall has narrow roads, junctions, highrise buildings, a railway station and a river – all of which would prove to be hurdles for the construction of metro pillars and stations.

Paud Juction, which is less than 20metres wide, has little scope for widening. The roads on-route are highly congested and exceed road capacity. Traffic woes would be aggravated after the construction of metro columns and stations on the road.

The metro line is proposed to be laid over the Pune railway station, a move which can be taken only with the permission of the Railways. Massive trees and a few of the high rise buildings would have to be pulled down for paving way for the metro track.

Reports state that DMRC has carried out studies on traffic survey and alignment feasibility. A Special Purpose Vehicle would be appointed as a consultant for the final location survey. Route alignments would be decided, taking into consideration the locations of flyovers.