Punekars Welcome Metro Extension To Lohegaon Airport, Southern Suburbs: ‘Hope It Gets Done Soon’

The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has decided to prepare an Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending the metro lines from Ramwadi to Lohegaon. The extension will also connect the Civil Court to the southern suburbs, including Kondhwa, NIBM, Yewalewadi and Undri.

The decision is quite a relief for the people of Pune as it will provide better connectivity and save commuting time amid growing concerns over traffic jams and poor road infrastructure.

'It is a big relief'

Swati Wadekar, a resident of Lohegaon, welcomed this move and said, "The extended metro to Lohegaon airport is a big relief because now we can go to the airport directly without the hassle of finding a cab. At night, it's quite a challenge to get a cab at a decent price. With the extended metro line, the travel time will also be reduced, and it will save a lot of time and money."

'It will be easy to commute daily'

Shashank Bhardwaj, an IT professional, said, "I live in PCMC, and now with the metro extension, it will be easy to commute daily. At present, the metro line is only up to Ramwadi, and from there we have to take cabs and autos for further commute. But now, in one go, one can directly reach the airport. It's a good move, and I hope this line is completed soon. Usually, it takes two to three years, but now Pune is expanding, and to meet the demands, it should be completed at the earliest."

'It will ease traffic congestion'

Social activist Raj Singh said, "I welcome Maha-Metro’s initiative to enhance connectivity to Pune Airport through the proposed route from Ramwadi, and other developing southern suburbs like Kondhwa, NIBM, Yewalewadi, and Undri. These new corridors will play a vital role in easing traffic congestion, improving last-mile connectivity, and supporting the city's sustainable growth trajectory."

Anurag Dubey, a student, added, "I like Pune Metro. It's better to take the metro than to take a bus because the roads here are bad. Potholes and the jerks almost break your back. If there's any development happening with metros, I'm happy because at least one can get end-to-end services. Like now, I have to take the metro as well as the bus because the metro connectivity is limited. Especially during the rains, the metro is good because roads nowadays have become river streams with big potholes hiding beneath, which can make anybody fall and fracture their bones. I'm not ready for it."

'Centre yet to approve project'

Meanwhile, speaking to The Free Press Journal, Dr Hemant R. Sonawane, Executive Director (Public Relations and Administration), said, "The extension of the Aqua Line hasn't got the approval yet, so it would be too early to comment on that. But Maha-Metro has hired a consultancy, and they have been asked to submit preparatory plans regarding the extension, to prepare an AAR and a DPR for the said transit corridors. As soon as the project is approved by the Centre, it will be communicated."

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