Pune Metro Gets ₹517 Crore Central Boost

Pune Metro has secured fresh central backing with an allocation of Rs 517 crore in the Union Budget 2026 for expansion and ongoing construction, marking a significant shift in the city's urban transit infrastructure.

Although the budget does not clearly specify how the funds will be distributed, officials indicated that the allocation will mainly support current metro works and the proposed Khadakwasla–Hadapsar–Kharadi–Wagholi corridor, a route seen as crucial for improving east–west connectivity and easing traffic congestion in fast-growing areas.

The timing couldn't be better. Currently, 33 km of the network across two routes are operational in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with Maha Metro simultaneously fast-tracking the remaining work for Phase-I. The 4.5 km Pimpri-Nigdi elevated line is expected to be completed by next year, with around 50% of construction already finished.

What makes this budget truly impactful is the layered approach. The Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹180 crore for three Pune Metro expansion projects for the 2026-27 financial year, including ₹100 crore as equity and ₹80 crore as an interest-free subordinate loan for the Swargate-Katraj corridor. The budget has also committed Rs 5,000 crore to the Pune Growth Hub over the next five years, set to support integrated development across the Pune metropolitan region.

For homebuyers, this translates to tangible benefits. Two extensions spanning 12.75 km will have 13 stations and are planned to improve Metro connectivity to Chandni Chowk, Kothrud, Kharadi and Wagholi. These emerging neighbourhoods are seeing rapid residential growth, and improved metro access typically boosts property values and rental yields.

Pune Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar said, "New allocation will help speed up metro expansion and improve commuter convenience, adding that the focus will remain on completing priority routes efficiently." With momentum building and multiple corridors in various stages of execution, Pune's metro ecosystem is entering a critical execution phase. Savvy investors tracking the city's infrastructure timeline will find these developments hard to ignore.