Pune Metro Update: Swargate-Katraj Underground Tunnelling to Begin in January 2027; Four TBMs to Be Deployed
Tunnelling for Pune's 5.46-km Swargate-Katraj underground Metro extension is expected to begin in January 2027. MahaMetro plans to deploy four tunnel boring machines, with two operating from Swargate and two from Katraj, meeting near Padmavati. Excavation will take place approximately 28 metres underground, with a target of 10 metres per day per machine.
Pune, November 4, 2026: Construction of the underground Swargate-Katraj Metro extension is set to enter a crucial phase, with tunnelling work expected to begin in January 2027. The first of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) is scheduled to arrive in Pune, marking a major step towards expanding Metro connectivity in southern parts of the city.
The 5.46-kilometre underground extension forms part of the existing Pimpri-Chinchwad-Swargate Metro corridor and will eventually connect Swargate directly with Katraj.
Four Tunnel Boring Machines to Work From Both Ends
According to project details, MahaMetro plans to deploy four TBMs to accelerate underground construction.
Two machines will begin tunnelling from the Swargate end, while the remaining two will operate from Katraj. The machines are expected to meet near Padmavati as excavation progresses from opposite directions.
The tunnelling work will take place approximately 28 metres below ground level.
Due to the rocky terrain along the proposed route, MahaMetro has set a target of excavating around 10 metres per day for each TBM.
The target has been determined based on experience gained during the construction of the first phase of Pune Metro.
Preparatory Work Begins at Market Yard and Swargate
Construction activities are already underway at key locations along the proposed Metro extension.
Excavation of the shaft at Market Yard station has begun. These shafts will play an important role in lowering heavy machinery, construction equipment and other materials required for underground work.
At Swargate, the first TBM will be assembled and lowered underground once the launching shaft is completed.
The machine will then begin excavation towards the designated meeting point.
The remaining TBMs will be deployed in phases as the necessary construction arrangements are completed.
Swargate-Katraj Metro to Improve Connectivity in South Pune
Once operational, the underground Metro extension is expected to provide improved public transport access to densely populated areas of southern Pune.
Residents and daily commuters travelling through Katraj, Padmavati, Market Yard and Swargate are expected to benefit from direct integration with the wider Pune Metro network.
The project could also reduce dependence on private vehicles and help ease traffic pressure along major roads connecting Katraj with central Pune.
However, the actual impact on traffic congestion will depend on passenger demand, service frequency and connectivity with other transport options.
The arrival of the first TBM in January 2027 is expected to mark the beginning of the project's main underground excavation phase, subject to completion of the required launching infrastructure.