Metro Rail News had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Shri Shravan Hardikar, IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited. In the conversation, Shri Hardikar shared updates on the Pune, Nagpur, and Thane Metro projects and outlined initiatives undertaken by Maha Metro to ensure long-term financial sustainability, including non-fare revenue generation through station naming rights, commercial leasing, and advertising. He also highlighted multimodal integration through feeder buses, shared autos, and e-scooters, along with enhanced last-mile connectivity solutions. Furthermore, he emphasised sustainability measures such as solar energy adoption, rainwater harvesting, and large-scale tree transplantation. Here are the edited excerpts.
Could you please reflect on your journey as the managing director of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation? What are some of the milestones that have been achieved under your leadership?
I have had the privilege of working on both Pune and Nagpur —first as Commissioner for Nagpur, PCMC and then as the managing director of Maha Metro. Both these metro projects were launched during my tenure as commissioner, and I was fortunate to be closely involved in the initial construction phases. This early experience has helped me carry forward the work with better insight and focus on the future growth of both Pune and Nagpur Metro.
For the Nagpur Metro Project:
The Nagpur Metro project consists of two phases: Phase I, 40.2km, is fully operational, and Phase II is presently under construction.
Nagpur Metro has recently crossed a project milestone of 10 cr ridership.
Project Approval and funding for Phase II, costing ₹6,708 crores, is funded, and it is under construction, and major civil and system contracts having been awarded, and the project is expected to be completed by 2029.
For the Pune Metro Project:
Pune Metro is 33.2 km is completely operational, and its ridership has already crossed 2lakhs commuters per day.
The N-S and W-E sections have already been sanctioned by the Government of India, and the work is in full swing towards the Northern extension towards the Bhakti-Shakti section, and the physical work on the southern extension, i.e Swargate to Katra, will begin soon, for which tender work has been awarded. And last year’s Ganpati festival, Maha Metro achieved a daily average ridership of 1.85 commuters for the 10 days with the distinction of 24 hours running with no breaks for the last day, i.e Anant Chaturdashi. Pune Metro holds the unique distinction of being the most digitally ticketing-friendly friendly with 75 per cent of ticketing revenues coming from digital ticketing.
For the Thane Metro Project:
The Thane Metro got sanctioned by the GoI in 2024, and the foundation stone of the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project was laid on 05.10.2024
All the Preliminary works, namely Utility Mapping (GPR), UAV Survey, GT investigation, Topographic Survey and Alignment Design work has been completed and the work will commence soon and it is ambitious 29 km project – 26 km elevated and 3km underground connecting major residential and commercial area of thane, line 4 and 5 of Mumbai metro.
Could you provide an update on the current status of the Pune, Nagpur, and Thane Metro, including the progress of Phase 1 extensions and the routes under Phase 2?
Pune Metro Phase I, comprising the PCMC–Swargate and Vanaz–Ramwadi corridors, spans 33.2 km, including 27.2 km elevated and 6 km underground through stations like Shivaji Nagar, District Court, Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, and is now fully operational.
Phase I extensions comprise the Vanaz–Chandani Chowk extension, which is 1.12 km long and features 2 stations. The Ramwadi–Wagholi/Vitthalwadi extension is 11.63 km long with 11 stations. Together, these two extensions form a 12.75 km elevated route with 13 stations. These routes are natural western and eastern extensions of Phase I. These routes are natural western and eastern extensions of Phase I.
These extensions were approved by the Government of India on 25 June 2025 at a cost of ₹3,626 crores.The work is going on in full swing towards the Northern extension towards the Bhakti-Shakti section, and the physical work on the southern extension, i.e Swargate to Katra, will begin soon, for which tender work has been awarded.
● The Phase II comprises:
- Khadakwasla – Swargate – Hadapsar – Kharadi
○ Length: 25.518 km (elevated) with 22 stations.
○ Total length (with extensions): 31.64 km, 28 stations.
○ Status: Advanced stage of approval.
○ Estimated cost: ₹9,897.19 crores.
- Hadapsar – Loni Kalbhor
○ Length: 11.352 km
○ Stations: 10
- Hadapsar – Saswad Road
○ Length: 5.573 km
○ Stations: 4
○ Combined: 16.92 km, 14 stations.
○ Status: Advanced stage of approval.
○ Estimated cost: ₹5,704.40 crores.
For Nagpur Metro:
Phase I of the Nagpur Metro spans a total length of 40.02 kilometres, comprising two main corridors—the Orange Line (North-South) and the Aqua Line (East-West). With 38 fully functional stations, the system has transformed daily commuting in the city.
Phase II is now underway and will add 43.8 kilometres of metro line and 32 new stations, thereby broadening the network to serve Nagpur’s expanding metropolitan region.
This phase has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹6,708 crores, jointly funded by the central and state governments, along with assistance from international lending agencies. Proposed to be commissioned from the year 2026-27 in a phased manner, and the overall completion target is the year 2028-29.
The work is going on in full swing for phase II.
For Thane Metro
Thane Metro Phase 1 has 22 stations (20 elevated and 2 underground) and a total length of 29 km (26 km elevated and 3 km underground). The cost of the project is ₹12,200.10 crores. Overall completion target: FY 2029-30.
The alignment of Thane Ring Metro has been prepared in such a way that it aligns with the proposed/existing DP roads, which are planned & maintained by Thane Municipal Corporation.
The Thane Integral Ring Metro project facilitates the integration with: (1) Proposed suburban Kopri Railway Station (IR Broad Guage line) at New Thane Metro Station, (2) Mumbai Metro Line-4 at Raila Devi (3) TMT Bus Stands at Wagle Circle & Lokmanya Nagar (4) Mumbai Metro Line-4 at Dongripada (5) Mumbai Metro Line-5 at Balkum Naka (6) Thane Railway Station & CIDCO Bus Stand at Thane IR Broad Guage Station. This gives feasibility to the proposed metro project for future extensions/expansions for prominent areas.
Thane city is well connected to Greater Mumbai, Kalyan, Vasai Virar and Bhiwandi. The important highways viz. Mumbai- Agra Road (NH-3), Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore Road (NH-4), Eastern Express Highway and Ghodbunder Road (an important link between Eastern Express Highway, NH-3 and NH-8) pass through Thane. Therefore, the Thane Integral Ring Metro can serve as the primary foundation for future expansion in the aforementioned regions.
How is Maha Metro ensuring integration with other public transport modes in Pune, such as PMPML buses, shared autos, and railway services, to provide a multimodal travel experience for commuters?
Maha Metro is consistently working to improve first and last-mile connectivity to make the overall travel experience smoother and more efficient for commuters.
Currently, an integrated PMPML feeder bus service is operational at 12 metro stations, covering 20 routes. This initiative has already benefited approximately 84 lakh passengers in Pune.
In addition to buses, shared auto-rickshaw services are currently available at Vanaz, PCMC, Swargate, Ramwadi, and Pune Railway Station metro stations.
E-scooter services are also operational at Anand Nagar Metro Station, and plans are underway to expand this facility to more stations in the near future.
Looking ahead, Pune Metro has proposed the introduction of an E-Auto service, which is expected to cover around 27 metro stations and provide connectivity to 395 destinations within a 4 km one-way range.
The proposed fare for this service will range between ₹10 to ₹30, offering an affordable and eco-friendly option for last-mile travel. Additionally, Pune Metro is working on a proposal to introduce the Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative, supported by the Government of Maharashtra, which will further enhance mobility options, especially for women commuters.
Pune metro stations such as Pune Railway Station, Shivajinagar Station and Khadki Station are in close proximity to Indian railway stations and are seamlessly connected at the stations for commuters and with Maharashtra State Road Transport Corp (MSRTC) at Swargate and Shivaji Nagar.
Also, private bus feeder service from MNCs like Barclays to Ramwadi metro station has been implemented.
Similarly, in Nagpur, Seamless last-mile access via shuttle buses, e-rickshaws, and bike-sharing to schools, Colleges, Municipal Corporation Apali Bus, Shared Auto Rikshaw, E-Rickshaw, etc. have also been implemented in Nagpur Metro, and the same model will also be replicated at Thane Metro Project.
Achieving long-term financial sustainability is crucial for any metro project. What non-fare revenue streams is Maha-Metro currently exploring or implementing to reduce dependency on passenger fares?
To ensure long-term financial sustainability, Maha Metro has actively begun leasing out small and medium-sized spaces on stations across its network to generate lease income.
Semi-naming rights for metro stations have also been introduced as a revenue-generating initiative. So far, 10 metro stations have been assigned semi-names—these include Kalyani Nagar, Phugewadi, Ruby Hall Clinic, Nal Stop, PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Ramwadi, Yerwada, and Pune Railway Station.
Train wrapping is another non-fare revenue stream currently, with the tender process underway.
Advertising rights on station pillars, external premises, and other designated areas have already been awarded, helping to create a steady flow of commercial income.
Maha Metro is planning a commercial complex under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as part of its vision for financial sustainability.
In FY 2024–25, Nagpur Metro earned approximately ₹31 crores through non-fare revenue, while Pune Metro generated ₹19.8 crores, reinforcing the potential of such initiatives in supporting urban transit systems.
In Ngapur, Development of a commercial project on land admeasuring 16,189.90 Sqm at Mz. Dhantoli and 2,899.00 Sqm at Mz. Somalwada, Nagpur have been implemented.
Few proposed projects which are under the planning stage, and tenders shall be invited soon, are as follows:
Development of a commercial project on land admeasuring 7200 Sqm near Kasturchand Park Nagpur, 3,00,000 Sq.ft. at the airspace above, Zero Mile Metro Station, Nagpur. Approx. 25 Acres near Eco Park Metro Station of Phase II of NMRP, Nagpur and 4200 Sqm at Mz. Ajni.
Pune Metro recorded a rise in ridership in July, crossing 59 lakh passengers. However, this is still below the projections outlined in the final DPR (2015). What factors do you attribute to the recent growth, and what are your expectations for daily ridership in the coming months?
Since the opening of District Court to Swargate, Pune Metro has witnessed a steady rise in ridership. In July 2025 alone, a total of 59,69,529 commuters travelled by Metro, with the average daily ridership reaching approx. 2 lakh.
Although current ridership figures are still below the projections outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), Maha Metro is actively implementing several measures to bridge this gap and boost usage. These include strengthening last-mile connectivity through feeder buses, share-autos, e-scooters, and shared bicycles, as well as increasing the number of entry and exit points at stations to improve accessibility.
Pune Metro will soon will probably reduce headway during peak hours 7 minutes, to bring it down to 5 minutes. The service hours have been extended up to 11:00 PM, and on special occasions or during major events, services are further extended to meet public demand.
In addition, a strong push is being made toward digital ticketing options to reduce queues and streamline the travel experience. Initiatives such as the Maha Metro Card, WhatsApp ticketing, and the Pune Metro mobile app are being promoted to encourage cashless, convenient, and faster access to the Metro.
Nagpur Metro has completed 10 crore ridership since it started commercial operations in March 2019 with limited services in the morning and evening hours. After the Completion of Phase 2, which connects to the satellite town, the ridership is expected to rise to over 2lakh riders per day
Recently, Maha Metro & PKC joined hands for a pilot study to boost ridership and improve last-mile connectivity. Could you elaborate on this initiative?
As part of our commitment to improving urban mobility and understanding commuter needs, Maha Metro undertook a pilot study in collaboration with the Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), Centre for Environment Education (CEE), and Save Pune Traffic Movement (SPTM). The aim was to gain deeper insights into passenger behaviour, transportation needs, and expectations from Maha Metro.
This initiative is helping us better understand how commuters travel, what challenges they face, and what improvements they seek in public transport. The ultimate goal is to enable seamless travel, encourage a shift from personal vehicles to public transport, and create a more commuter-friendly Metro experience.
The pilot study was conducted in the Kothrud area, and based on its success, we plan to replicate similar studies in other parts of the city to inform future planning and service enhancements.
What steps is Maha Metro taking to ensure that the Pune & Nagpur Metro remains accessible and affordable for all sections of society?
Maha Metro’s fare structure is determined by the Government of Maharashtra and is kept affordable compared to other modes of transport. Our strategy has always been to maintain low fares by focusing on increasing non-fare revenue sources and reducing O & M expenditure.
To reduce overall expenditure on operations and maintenance (O&M), we have strategically outsourced O&M activities, helping us bring down administrative and operational costs. As a result of these measures, Maha Metro has not increased its fares since its inception, making it a cost-effective and commuter-friendly option for the public.
What is your long-term vision for the Pune, Nagpur, and Thane Metro system by, say, 2030 or 2035, in terms of network length, ridership, and its role in Pune’s urban landscape?
Pune Metro was the nodal agency for preparing the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR).
As part of this initiative, Pune Metro has conducted extensive consultations with key stakeholders of the city to assess and understand the city’s long-term public transport needs over the next 20 to 30 years.
The Pune Metropolitan Region is projected to require a Metro network of approximately 175–200 km to adequately meet future demand with an expansion of city bus services, which serve as the backbone of public transport in any urban area. PMR needs 6,000 buses, whereas currently operates around 1,800 buses.
There are two ring roads at various stages of implementation.
The Pune Metropolitan Region boasts a diverse economic base, led by a well-established automobile industry, IT, ITES, BioTech, Pharma and is rapidly transforming through initiatives such as the Smart City Mission, development of a multimodal transport hub, and a planned greenfield international airport, all contributing to Pune’s emergence as a future-ready urban centre.
For Thane metro, the Approved CMP prepared in 2018 for Thane city comprises the Thane Metro Phase II, to be implemented in 2037, connecting the East part of Thane city, i.e. Kalwa, Mumbra, Shilphata, etc.
Another proposal for the Thane Metro extension is to connect Thane Junction with Thane HSR station. Preliminary correspondence with the NHSRCL and the Railways Ministry is underway.
In terms of sustainability, what initiatives is Maha Metro undertaking to ensure the Metro is an eco-friendly mode of transport, and what are your goals for reducing the city’s carbon footprint?
Pune Metro has solar panels installed at 14 stations and 2 depots. Pune Metro has generated 12.2689 MWh of solar energy, resulting in a cost saving of ₹4.75 crore from February 2022 to May 2025.
Similarly, Nagpur Metro Rail Project (NMRP) has installed & commissioned 4.5 MWp rooftop Solar PV systems across its 24 Metro stations, 2 depot buildings & track boundary walls. In addition to 4.5 MWp commissioned solar PV systems, 5.5 MWp rooftop solar PV plants are being installed at the remaining 13 Nagpur Metro stations, depot buildings & other suitable locations of NMRP.
Out of the 5.5 MWp, 1.5 MWp solar PV capacity has been installed at Mihan & Hingna depots and is expected to be commissioned within a few weeks. For NMRP, Cumulative renewable energy generation at the end of FY 2024-25 stands at 177.56 Lakh units and corresponding savings of Rs. 1130.81 lakhs achieved in the operational cost.
Till FY 2024-25, the solar energy generation of 177.56 Lakh units led to sa aving in CO2 emission of 16335 Tonnes. It is planned to meet 50% of the total energy requirements of Maha Metro through solar energy.
Maha Metro also features bio-digesters that enable 100% wastewater recycling, ensuring zero discharge to the municipal sewerage system from all stations.
The recycled water is stored separately and reused for flushing, horticulture, and other purposes through a ‘double plumbing’ system integrated into the station and building infrastructure.
Rainwater harvesting provisions are made at all station rooftops, viaducts, and depot building rooftops, allowing for 100% rainwater harvesting.
The collected water is directed into the ground, facilitating groundwater recharge. This system is fully sustainable, completely eco-friendly, and contributes significantly to total water conservation.
As an ISO 14001-certified organization, NMRP adheres to the framework and principles established under this standard to ensure responsible environmental management and continuous improvement in environmental performance.
Pune Metro has successfully transplants a total of 2,267 large trees using the Arboriculture-based Root Ball Technique and a total of 17,986 new trees were planted to make the city greener.
Pune Metro stations have been awarded IGBC Platinum Ratings—the highest rating given by the Indian Green Building Council—underscoring their dedication to environmentally conscious infrastructure. 22 stations of Nagpur Metro and 7 Pune Metro stations have been awarded the IGBC Platinum Rating
How is the Pune Metro project contributing to the overall urban development and economic growth of Pune, particularly in areas along the metro corridors?
As per the Government of Maharashtra’s policy, the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone limit in Pune has been extended to 500 metres along metro stations.
Areas such as Shivaji Nagar and PCMC have already seen a surge in new commercial and residential projects, following the launch of metro stations. The government’s provision of higher Floor Space Index (FSI) in TOD zones has further incentivized developers, paving the way for more compact, accessible, and transit-friendly neighbourhoods.
The concept of Transit Oriented Development was approved for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project at the DPR Stage. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is densifying the population along the Metro Rail Corridor by way of providing additional FSI for Development. The additional FSI has provided at a Premium of up to 40% of the Annual Schedule of Rates of the Land (Circle Rate). The Premium so collected shall be will be distributed between Maha Metro and other ULBs (NIT/NMC/MADC) in the following manner –- 50% of the Premium so collected shall be reserved for Maha Metro as a part of Non-Fare box revenue. This Premium accrued will help Maha-Metro in Operations and Maintenance and for repayment of Loans availed from various funding agencies.
– 50% of the Premium so collected by Planning Authorities/ ULB’s, shall be used for up-gradation of existing infrastructure within the TOD Corridor.
Maha-Metro Nagpur at suitable locations are planning Joint Development/Commercial Development Projects with Private Developers and City Authorities.
Additionally, Maha-Metro has also planned for the development of multi-model hubs near mega commercial projects so as to provide first and last mile connectivity in a better way. For example, Maha-Metro has planned for a multi-model hub near Kamptee Bus Terminal, and further discussions are underway for the development of a commercial project on Kamptee Bus Station Land in Nagpur.
What is your message to the citizens of Pune and the readers of Metro Rail News?
Pune Metro is more than just a mode of transport—it is a step towards building a cleaner, smarter, and more connected city. We are committed to providing safe, affordable, and sustainable mobility solutions while constantly innovating through digital ticketing, first and last-mile connectivity, and eco-friendly infrastructure. With growing ridership, extensive planning for future corridors, and initiatives like tree transplantation, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and zero-discharge wastewater systems, we are laying the foundation for a green and inclusive urban future.
We urge citizens to adopt public transport, reduce dependence on personal vehicles, and become active partners in transforming Pune into a model transit-oriented city. Together, let us ride towards progress—efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably.
