Pune Metro Extension to Lohegaon Airport: A Leap Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) is planning to extend Pune’s metro network to Lohegaon Airport and southern suburbs, enhancing connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.
Pune MetroLohegaon AirportUrban MobilitySustainabilityPublic TransitReal Estate PuneMay 28, 2025
Urban mobility experts and residents alike have welcomed the metro extension as a critical move towards reducing commute times and enhancing access to key locations. With Pune’s rapid urbanisation exerting pressure on existing transport infrastructure, the proposed metro corridors promise not only to ease congestion but also to promote eco-friendly and efficient public transit.
A resident from Lohegaon highlighted the immediate benefits, pointing out the convenience the metro would bring by enabling direct airport access. The scarcity and high fares of cabs during late hours have long been a source of commuter frustration, and the metro’s integration is anticipated to significantly reduce this dependence on road-based transport. This aligns with broader goals to decrease carbon emissions by shifting passengers from private vehicles and autos to mass rapid transit. Commuters working in the city’s IT hubs and peripheral residential areas expressed optimism about the metro’s potential to streamline daily travel. Currently, the Ramwadi metro terminal necessitates multiple mode changes, often involving auto-rickshaws or cabs for last-mile connectivity. An extended metro line would allow seamless end-to-end journeys, saving time and improving commuter comfort — factors critical to sustainable urban living.
Sustainability advocates have also underscored the extension’s role in supporting Pune’s green mobility aspirations. By connecting developing southern suburbs, the metro network can help curb the city’s reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, thereby contributing to lower urban air pollution and reduced traffic-related noise. However, the project is still awaiting central government approval. Maha-Metro officials have commissioned consultancies to prepare the necessary reports, but the final go-ahead rests with the Union Ministry of Urban Development. Until formal sanction is granted, construction timelines remain tentative, yet stakeholders are hopeful for swift progress given the urgent need for enhanced public transit infrastructure in Pune.
City planners emphasise that such metro expansions must incorporate inclusive design principles to ensure gender-neutral and equitable access. Thoughtful planning around station locations, frequency, and last-mile connectivity will be vital to serve the diverse demographics of Pune’s expanding suburbs. Moreover, the metro extension represents a strategic investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. With Pune’s monsoon season often rendering road travel difficult due to flooding and potholes, a reliable metro service could provide a safer and more dependable alternative, safeguarding commuters from weather-related disruptions.
As the metro network grows, Pune stands at a pivotal juncture in redefining its urban landscape. The extension to Lohegaon Airport and southern suburbs promises not just convenience, but a progressive shift towards sustainable, low-carbon mobility that aligns with the city’s environmental and social equity commitments. While the final decision awaits state cabinet approval and central clearance, public anticipation is mounting. Pune’s metro extension could well mark a transformative chapter in building a connected, eco-conscious, and accessible city for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Pune Metro extension to Lohegaon Airport?
The project is currently in the preparatory stages, with the drafting of an Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and a Detailed Project Report (DPR). It is awaiting central government approval.
How will the metro extension benefit residents of Lohegaon?
The extension will provide direct airport access, reduce dependence on road-based transport, and offer more convenient and cost-effective travel options.
What are the environmental benefits of the metro extension?
The extension will help reduce carbon emissions by shifting passengers from private vehicles to mass rapid transit, contributing to lower urban air pollution and reduced traffic-related noise.
When is the expected timeline for the metro extension project?
The construction timelines are tentative and depend on the final approval from the Union Ministry of Urban Development. However, stakeholders are hopeful for swift progress.
How will the metro extension address the needs of Pune's expanding suburbs?
The extension will incorporate inclusive design principles, ensuring gender-neutral and equitable access. It will also focus on thoughtful planning around station locations, frequency, and last-mile connectivity.
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