Pune Metro Line 3, with a length of 23 km from Maan to Shivajinagar, has been delayed as there is still work in an integrated flyover that connects two of the most essential stretches. It was expected to be completed by November 2023, then postponed to December. Now, sources suggest that the flyover will not be fully operational until April 2025, which will impact the opening of the entire Metro corridor. Despite ongoing construction efforts, challenges with traffic, permits, and project complexities continue to hinder progress. Here’s a closer look at the situation and what this means for the future of Pune’s Metro system.
Delay in Flyover Work: A Critical Component
The 1.7-km flyover is an important infrastructural component of the Metro if Line 3 is supposed to be completed. All these are because several key components, including ramp slabs and deck slabs, are yet to begin construction, and approvals would be required at various lengths of the project. “That is why the completion date stands at April 2025,” said one official.
“The integrated flyover is a critical component. Without it, we cannot commence operations,” an official added. Without this section coming into place, the operation of the entire Metro will be delayed, thus adding to the already long overdue launch of the Pune Metro Line 3.
Traffic and Permitting Issues Delaying Construction
The prime reason for the delay includes heavy traffic on the major arterial roads around the project. The officials stated that the traffic congestion has been the biggest challenge even though there are regular review meetings and keeping up with the schedule. Construction activities were stopped at critical times such as elections and Diwali at high-traffic places like SPPU Chowk. The movement of VIPs during such events also restricted work and caused additional delays.
Furthermore, key infrastructure components’ approval process has been slower than expected. Of these are the acquisition of permits needed in changing utilities and in right of way management. Considering such issues and suggesting traffic diversions along the way have only helped to minimize the complexity in managing construction congestion through the route.
Current Status of the Project
Till date, the integrated flyover work is largely 75% complete but the remaining parts are much behind. The construction of Metro stations along the stretch of University Chowk remains one of the major areas of concern. These stations have the added challenges of road widening and removal of electricity poles, which would be critical to the continuity of construction.
Still, by April 2025, most of the Metro work will take place between Maan and Balewadi Highstreet, unless there is yet another unforeseen delay.
The University Chowk stretch is still a huge sticking point in the entire work timeline.
Efforts by the Government to Pick Up the Pace
To speed up the process, the government has gone ahead and provided additional funding as well as directives to the project’s contractor, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL). Initially, the government had prioritized completing the flyover work from SPPU to E Square junction by November 2023. However, the continued delays led to a re-evaluation of the project’s timelines.
The authorities have also increased construction speed by allowing expedited traffic diversion permissions, round-the-clock road widening work at critical points during holidays, and the rest.
This is all for mitigating the effect of transit commuters and finishing up with the project as early as possible.
Extra Finances for the Project
The Indian government recently finalized extra finances for the Pune Metro. The Centre recently earmarked Rs 200 crore towards viability gap funding for the project, following an earlier allotment of Rs 400 crore. The total sanctioned amount for the project should be around Rs 1,200 crore, which means around Rs 600 crore has already been drawn down. This is a major financial input to overcome the setbacks and get the project running toward its goal.
Conclusion: Hope for a Future for Pune Metro
Even though the construction of the flyover for Pune Metro Line 3 has been delayed, there is still hope from the government side and the resolution of issues related to traffic, permits, and construction activities. The completed Metro will make a big difference in the public transport system of Pune and will ease traffic congestion in the city. The flyover is a significant part of the city’s infrastructure upgrade despite being late, and in the new timeline, the city will be able to enjoy the modern and efficient Metro by April 2025.
As work proceeds, it is essential that city residents get updates on further plans and what may be happening in their city as Pune inches towards its metro dream.
Refer :
TOI, Link to article
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