Pune: Mega Plans for Metro Expansion in PCMC; DPR for Bhakti-Shakti to Chakan Already Submitted
Pune, September 02, 2025: The long-awaited Bhakti-Shakti to Chakan Metro project is moving forward with speed. Maha-Metro has submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR), a major step in connecting Pimpri-Chinchwad with the busy Chakan industrial belt. The plan was reviewed in well-represented meeting held at the Phugewadi Metro office on Monday.
The meeting was attented by Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Anna Bansode, MP Shrirang Barne, MLA Mahesh Landge, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and Maha-Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar. Among the participants, MLA Shankar Jagtap played a proactive role, pushing for key revisions in the DPR.
Demand for Six-Car Trains
MLA Jagtap stressed that Pimpri-Chinchwad’s rapid growth and heavy traffic call for strong public transport measures. Calling the Chakan extension a “historic step,” he pressed for the introduction of six-car metro trains instead of the currently proposed three-car coaches. His argument was that the city must plan for future demand rather than short-term needs. Officials agreed to revise the DPR to include the larger trains.
Route and Features
- Total distance: 42 km
- Route: Bhakti-Shakti Chowk → Mukai Chowk → Bhujbal Chowk → Nashik Phata → Chakan
- Stations: 31
- Integration: To be planned jointly with BRTS routes
- Expected ridership (2031): 3.38 lakh passengers daily
- Projected ridership (2061): 7.80 lakh passengers daily
The metro corridor is expected to decongest roads, particularly for daily commuters traveling to the Chakan industrial hub. Officials also highlighted that the project would help improve connectivity for workers and strengthen industrial growth in the region.
PCMC Metro Expansion Plans
The Bhakti-Shakti to Chakan corridor is part of a wider expansion under PCMC’s metro vision. The DPR for Pimpri-Chinchwad includes several proposed routes such as Bhakti Shakti Chowk–Mukai Chowk, Kiwale–Bhujbal Chowk, Wakad Sai Chowk, Jagtap Dairy–Kokane Chowk, Nashik Phata–Sant Tukaram Nagar Chowk, Gawali Matha Chowk, Bhosari District Centre, and Godown Chowk–Chakan.
At the review meeting, public representatives suggested changes like smoother alignments, more commuter-friendly designs at Bhujbal Chowk and Wakad junctions, and ensuring parking facilities near stations. The Nashik Phata-Bhosari alignment may also be re-examined, while the Godown Chowk-Chakan model is being considered for further extension.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh noted that the DPR was prepared to address rising congestion in Pimpri-Chinchwad and that suggestions from elected representatives will be sent to the state government. He added that a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be scheduled soon to take the project ahead.
Ring Metro for Better Connectivity
In addition to the main corridor, a DPR study has been proposed for a Nigdi to Chakan route via Talawade, Cambay Chowk, Mahindra, Mahalunge, and Kharabwadi. This line would connect key IT and industrial hubs such as Talawade IT Park and Chakan MIDC.
Planned as a “Ring Metro,” it would allow clockwise and anticlockwise travel across Pimpri-Chinchwad, Chakan, and Hinjawadi IT Park. Officials said this step would boost urban mobility, create new employment opportunities, and support sustainable development.
With Pimpri-Chinchwad’s population now over 30 lakh, the metro expansion is being seen as crucial for making the city a true “Metro City.” The strong consensus among leaders, along with demands for larger trains and better alignments, has given fresh momentum to the project.
After its successful execution, the Bhakti-Shakti to Chakan Metro will be a game-changer for Pune’s industrial and residential growth corridors.
