CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate today, November 3, the Pink Line of the Pune Metro, which is set to give new momentum to the city’s public transport. Built at a cost of about ₹8,313 crore, the 23.2-kilometre corridor will connect the city’s key IT hub Hinjewadi with the District Court Metro Station in Shivajinagar. The inauguration programme will be held at 12:30 p.m. through video conferencing. Metro services for passengers on this route are planned to begin from November 4.
The most special feature of this corridor is that its operations will be handled entirely by women train operators. About 100 women train pilots will operate the metro. Women will also participate in station operations and other services. The initiative is being seen as an important step towards increasing women’s participation in the urban transport sector.
A total of 23 stations have been built on the Pink Line. Its route will begin at Maan and pass through Hinjewadi Phase 1 and Phase 2, Wakad, Balewadi, Baner, Aundh, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Agriculture College and Shivajinagar before reaching the District Court. Initially, 17 of the 23 stations will be opened for passengers. The remaining stations are planned to be opened in phases.
The proposed fares have been fixed on the basis of distance. The proposed fare is ₹12 for travel up to two kilometres, ₹25 for 2 to 4 kilometres, ₹37 for 4 to 8 kilometres, ₹43 for 8 to 12 kilometres and ₹49 for 12 to 18 kilometres. For distances of more than 18 kilometres, the maximum fare has been stated as ₹62.
Special arrangements have also been made in this project from the point of view of environmental protection. About 30 percent of the metro’s total electricity requirement is planned to be met through solar energy. Solar power plants with a capacity of 7.60 MW have been installed for this purpose. The project is expected to help reduce pressure on road traffic and pollution caused by vehicles.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for four new lines under the second phase of Pune Metro. These projects, costing about ₹13,500 crore, are planned to increase connectivity for Khadki, Kharadi, Hadapsar, Swargate, Khadakwasla and surrounding areas.
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