The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has officially awarded the contract for the 5.46-kilometre Swargate–Katraj underground metro line to ITD Cementation India Limited, a part of Adani Group. The contract, valued at ₹1,644 crore (Rs 16.44 billion), marks a major milestone in the expansion of Pune Metro and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the city. The decision followed a competitive bidding process, with ITD Cementation emerging as the lowest bidder.
This Swargate–Katraj section will be an underground extension of Pune Metro Line 1, which currently connects PCMC to Swargate. The new stretch is strategically crucial as it will serve the southern part of Pune, connecting some of the city’s busiest corridors and easing congestion for daily commuters. Once completed, this extension will provide seamless and faster connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the city.
The total length of the stretch is 5.46 kilometres, and it includes three underground stations — Swargate, Market Yard, and Katraj. This alignment will be entirely underground, making it the first major fully underground stretch in the Pune Metro network. The project is expected to ease traffic load on Satara Road and reduce travel time significantly for thousands of passengers who currently rely on road transport.
ITD Cementation India Limited is a leading infrastructure construction company with extensive experience in metro, marine, and civil engineering projects. The company has been involved in multiple metro projects across India, including in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Its selection for the Swargate–Katraj stretch reinforces its strong execution track record in complex underground metro projects.
The bidding process for this project began earlier in 2024, and several national and international infrastructure firms participated. ITD Cementation’s offer of ₹1,644 crore was the lowest bid received, aligning with Maha-Metro’s estimated cost. After a thorough technical and financial evaluation, the contract was formally awarded.
Maha-Metro officials stated that the Swargate–Katraj line is a critical part of Phase 1 extension works and will help connect high-density residential and commercial areas. The corridor is designed to reduce congestion in central Pune and enhance last-mile connectivity to major city hubs. In addition to improving public transport efficiency, the project is expected to lower vehicular emissions, contributing to the city’s environmental goals.
The execution will involve tunnelling through densely populated urban areas, which will require advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs), strict safety protocols, and minimal surface disruption. The construction timeline is expected to span several years, with phased progress to ensure minimal impact on existing infrastructure and road traffic.
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, which is jointly owned by the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, has been spearheading the Pune Metro development. The Swargate–Katraj underground extension will be one of its most technically challenging and impactful projects in the city to date. Once operational, it is projected to accommodate a high daily ridership and play a key role in Pune’s evolving public transport landscape.
This development also aligns with Adani Group’s growing footprint in India’s urban infrastructure sector. Through ITD Cementation, the conglomerate is expanding its presence in metro and urban transit projects, supporting India’s broader push for modern and sustainable transport systems.
With this contract award, the groundwork is expected to begin soon, starting with detailed design, tunnelling preparation, and station construction planning. Maha-Metro has emphasized its commitment to maintaining strict timelines and quality standards for this project.
As Pune continues to grow as an economic and technology hub, the Swargate–Katraj underground metro extension is poised to be a transformative infrastructure upgrade, offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient mobility to lakhs of residents and commuters.
