The Swargate–Katraj underground metro corridor has moved into another construction stage. Work has started on its first tunnel segment casting. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Swargate–Katraj underground metro corridor starts TBM casting
Photo: Pune Metro. Swargate–Katraj underground metro corridor starts TBM casting

The 5.46 km Pune Metro Phase-1 extension is intended to improve metro connectivity in southern Pune. It includes TBM-based tunnelling, five underground stations, and faster travel for commuters using congested city routes.

The casting work was formally launched by Maha Metro Rail Corporation Limited Managing Director Shri Shravan Hardikar (IAS), as reported by RailAnalysis India. During the event, he reviewed ongoing construction activities. He also gave instructions to project officials for smooth and timely implementation.

The inauguration was attended by several senior representatives. They included Maha-Metro Directors Shri Atul Gadgil (Works), Shri Vinodkumar Agrawal (Systems & Operations), and Shri Harendra Pandey (Finance). Senior Pune Metro officials, staff members, and representatives of contractor company CEM India were also present.

TBM work on the Swargate–Katraj underground metro corridor

The Swargate–Katraj section is being developed as a fully underground metro corridor. Its total length is 5.46 km. Modern Tunnel Boring Machines will be used for the work. They allow underground excavation in dense urban conditions to be carried out safely and efficiently.

The casting stage covers specially designed precast RCC segments. These are produced for installation inside the tunnel with the help of TBMs. The segments are intended to reinforce the tunnel. They also support the long-term stability of the underground system.

Key engineering details

  • Corridor length: 5.46 km
  • Total twin tunnel stretch: 9.7 km
  • Total rings to be cast: 6,993
  • Ring configuration: 5+1 segments with key segment
  • Tunnel external diameter: 6.35 metres
  • Tunnel internal diameter: 5.8 metres
  • Segment thickness: 275 mm
  • Ring width: 1.4 metres
  • Eight special moulds from CBE Group are being used

Officials said the use of advanced tunnelling systems would help maintain high safety standards. Precision-designed segments would also help maintain quality standards throughout construction.

Five underground stations planned

The Pune Metro Phase-1 extension is designed to link key residential and commercial areas in southern Pune. It will connect them with the existing metro network. Five underground stations are planned on the corridor, as noted by Free Press Journal.

Proposed stations:

  • Market Yard
  • Bibwewadi
  • Padmavati
  • Balajinagar
  • Katraj

The corridor is expected to offer quicker and more reliable travel for commuters. It covers heavily congested routes around Swargate, Dhankawadi, Padmavati, and Katraj.

While reviewing progress, Shri Shravan Hardikar said the corridor is extremely important for Pune citizens. He said it reflects Maha-Metro’s commitment to improving urban mobility. He also stressed that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeline. The highest standards of safety and construction quality would be maintained.

The project is also expected to help reduce fuel consumption. It is expected to ease road congestion as well. In addition, it is expected to encourage the use of sustainable public transport across Pune city.

The start of tunnel segment casting marks a major construction step for Pune Metro’s Swargate–Katraj underground corridor. The extension uses TBM technology and includes planned underground stations. It is expected to support urban transportation in southern Pune. It is also expected to reduce congestion, save travel time, and improve convenience for commuters.

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