In a significant development, the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) has announced plans to consolidate all three metro lines into a single building at the Civil Court station. This decision has received the backing of both the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro).
The three metro lines that will converge at the Civil Court station are the PCMC to Swargate line, the Vanaz to Ramwadi line, and the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar line. While the PCMC to Swargate line station is underground, the Vanaz to Ramwadi line station is elevated.
Pune municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar stated that the decision to shift the station of the PMRDA route to the same building was made as the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar station was initially 150 meters away from the other two stations. By bringing all three lines together in one building, commuters will have the convenience of seamless connectivity without the need to walk between stations.
The additional cost for shifting the station is estimated to be Rs 3 crore, with both Maha Metro and PMRDA saving Rs 1.5 crore each in the process. This move is expected to enhance passenger convenience and improve the overall efficiency of the metro network in Pune.
The Civil Court station is of particular significance in the Pune Metro network, as it spans an impressive 11.17 acres and features multiple access and exit points. Notably, it is also India’s deepest underground station, situated at a depth of 33.1 meters (108.59 feet).
Pune Metro currently operates three lines – the Purple Line, Aqua Line, and Metropolitan Line. The Purple Line connects PCMC in the North to Swargate in the South, spanning 17.4 km and featuring 14 stations. The Aqua Line connects Vanaz in the West to Ramwadi in the East, covering a distance of 15.7 km with 16 stations. The Metropolitan Line, still under construction, will span 23.3 km with 23 stations once completed.
The consolidation of all three metro lines at the Civil Court station is expected to streamline the metro system’s operations and simplify transfers for passengers traveling across different routes. With the support of both PMRDA and Maha Metro, this initiative is set to enhance the overall efficiency and connectivity of the Pune Metro, providing commuters with a more seamless and convenient traveling experience.
As the project progresses, authorities will be closely monitoring its implementation and seeking feedback from commuters to further optimize the network and address any potential challenges. The successful completion of this ambitious initiative will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in Pune’s public transportation infrastructure and further elevate the city’s status as a well-connected metropolitan hub.
