Pune, May 28, 2025 — The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has unveiled plans to extend the Pune Metro to Lohegaon Airport, a move aimed at strengthening the city’s public transportation network and easing access for air travelers.
As part of this proposed expansion, the metro line will be extended by approximately 3 kilometers from the current Ramwadi station directly to the Pune International Airport. In parallel, a new 20-kilometer corridor is being considered from Civil Court station to Yewalewadi, including a branch to NIBM, thereby enhancing connectivity for key southern neighborhoods such as Kondhwa and Undri.
Maha-Metro has begun work on an Alternative Analysis Report (AAR), which will explore different transit models including metro rail and bus rapid transit systems. This will be followed by a Detailed Project Report (DPR) that will specify the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of the preferred system.
According to Atul Gadgil, Director (Works) at Maha-Metro, the project is expected to play a critical role in improving mobility in Pune. He emphasized that connecting the metro system to the airport would not only shorten commute times but also promote the use of eco-friendly public transport options.
Government officials have also expressed strong support for the initiative. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, stated that the goal is to link all four existing metro lines in Pune directly to the airport. This comprehensive integration is seen as a major step toward boosting urban mobility and addressing long-standing traffic challenges.
Residents of the city, particularly in rapidly developing areas like Yewalewadi and Kondhwa, have welcomed the proposal. Many believe that the metro extension will ease the burden of road congestion and make travel more efficient for both daily commuters and airport passengers.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will provide the funding necessary for the preparation of the DPR, which Maha-Metro will oversee. The DPR for the segment connecting Kharadi to the airport is expected to be completed within three months, marking a key milestone in the project timeline.
Urban planners see the project as part of a broader effort to transform Pune into a more connected and commuter-friendly city. With a multimodal transport hub planned in Kharadi, this metro expansion is intended to serve as a vital link between different modes of transit, including air, rail, and bus services.
As Pune continues to grow both in population and economic activity, the proposed metro extension to Lohegaon Airport represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure. If executed as planned, the project could redefine urban transport in Pune, setting a new benchmark for metro systems across India.
