The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) are both vying for the right to execute the extension of the Pune metro line from Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor and Race Course to Swargate. PMRDA has submitted a feasibility report for the extension, while...
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Maha-Metro has also expressed interest. The Pune Integrated Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) will ultimately decide which organization will be responsible for the project, but this decision is unlikely to be made until after the Lok Sabha elections. The PMRDA is currently building the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro line in a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Tata Group. The PMRDA initially doubted the viability of the extensions under the PPP model, but a transaction advisor hired by them concluded that the PPP model is feasible for the Loni Kalbhor extension. However, Maha-Metro has already prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the Swargate-Loni Kalbhor line and has also received reports from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) indicating that the PPP model is not viable for the extensions. There are also concerns about the compatibility of the PMRDA's third rail system with the Maha-Metro's overhead equipment system, potentially hindering future connectivity. A meeting between officials from the Maha-Metro and PMRDA was held in Delhi to discuss the Swargate-Loni Kalbhor extension, and a final decision is awaited.