Fadnavis directs officials to fast-track Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad transit projects

Senior officials discuss the HCMTR and E-RTS projects during a meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis. Pic/By Special Arrangement

In a major push to tackle growing traffic congestion and the rising urban population in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to expedite the High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) and Electric Rapid Transit System (E-RTS) projects.

The directions were issued during a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been instructed to immediately begin the technical, administrative and planning procedures required for the project.

High-level backing

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, senior officials from the revenue, urban development, finance and environment departments, as well as the police commissioners and municipal commissioners of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Officials expressed confidence that the project would significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels and encourage greater use of public transport in the Pune metropolitan region.

17-km corridor

As the first phase of the project, a 17-km corridor will be developed in collaboration with Maha Metro. The project is planned to be implemented within 12-18 months. The route will pass through Godown Chowk - Kudalwadi Chowk - Auto Cluster - Kalewadi Phata - Jagtap Dairy Chowk - Wakad. A senior official said, "Once the pilot project proves successful, the E-RTS system will be extended to the remaining HCMTR and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) corridors across Pimpri-Chinchwad."

Commissioner Speak

Dr Vijay Suryawanshi, PCMC Commissioner
‘This environmentally friendly and high-capacity system is being developed to provide effective integration between Metro, BRT and other public transport networks. As directed by the chief minister, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is committed to completing the project in a planned and time-bound manner.'

What is E-RTS?

>> Metro-like public transport system
>> Fully electric, rubber-tyred vehicles
>> Capacity of over 240 passengers per vehicle
>> Will connect Metro, railway stations and BRTS corridors for ease of travel