Union Cabinet Greenlights Metro Mega Projects

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned pivotal metro rail projects across Bengaluru, Pune, and Thane. These initiatives are set to significantly enhance transportation networks, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve commuter efficiency in these rapidly expanding urban centres.

For Bengaluru, the Cabinet has authorised Phase-3 of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project, which includes two principal corridors. Corridor-1 will stretch 32.15 km from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West and will feature 21 stations. Corridor-2 will cover 12.50 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, incorporating 9 stations. The comprehensive cost for these corridors is estimated at INR 15,611 crore. This expansion is poised to provide a substantial boost to Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure, catering to the city’s burgeoning population.

In Thane, known for its rapid industrialisation and commercial growth, the Integral Ring Metro Rail Project has been approved at a cost of INR 12,200 crore. This project will enhance connectivity across critical areas, including Naupada, Wagle Estate, Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet, and Saket. The development of this metro ring aims to streamline transit within the city, supporting its status as a key urban centre in Maharashtra.

Pune will also see significant metro advancements with the extension of Phase-1 of its metro network. The extension will cover 5.46 km from Swargate to Katraj, with a projected cost of INR 2,954.53 crore. Scheduled for completion by 2029, this extension will integrate with the Swargate Multimodal Hub, facilitating seamless connectivity between the metro, MSRTC Bus Stand, and PMPML Bus Stand, thereby enhancing commuter convenience within and beyond Pune.

In addition to the metro projects, the Cabinet has sanctioned the development of two new airport facilities. The New Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, with an investment of INR 1,549 crore, will feature an apron accommodating 10 A-321 type aircraft. The New Civil Enclave at Bihta, Patna, Bihar, will be developed at a cost of INR 1,413 crore, designed to support 10 parking bays for A-321/B-737-800/A-320 type aircraft. These expansions are expected to bolster regional connectivity and cater to increasing passenger demand. These infrastructural advancements reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing urban transport systems and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity.