Pune, Nagpur, Pimpri-Chinchwad Metro Projects Get Boost As Maharashtra Transfers Land Ownership To Maha Metro

The Maharashtra government has authorised the conversion of more than 2.1 lakh square meters of leasehold land into ownership for Maharashtra Metro (Maha Metro), a major step towards improving metro infrastructure outside of Mumbai. The decision, which was made in the last week of April, will help metro rail projects in Pune, Nagpur, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Maha Metro is a state-run organisation in charge of building contemporary metro rail systems throughout the state, with the exception of Mumbai.

On May 7, officials declared that the approval will let the site to be used for commercial reasons, such as the construction of educational institutions, hospitals, and inexpensive housing. A top government official claims that the land, which Maha Metro had previously leased for 30 years, will now be delivered unconditionally on an ownership basis.

The entire land area that has been authorised for conversion is 2,10,755 square meters. Of this, Nagpur will receive 46,841 square meters, Pune 1,43,916 square meters, and Pimpri-Chinchwad 19,998 square meters. The land transfer specifics are outlined in a government decree, which states that Maha Metro will acquire 12 parcels from the Nagpur Improvement Trust and 8 parcels from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. In addition, eight parcels from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and twenty parcels from the Pune Municipal Corporation would be moved.

Maha Metro, which is responsible for repaying foreign loans obtained for the initial phase of metro development in Nagpur and Pune, formally requested the judgement. The agency is also in charge of paying for upkeep and operations. For the metro systems to remain financially viable, commercial growth is crucial, according to a top Maha Metro official.

He noted that only roughly half of the necessary revenue comes from passenger fares; the other half is anticipated to come from business activity.

Maha Metro will be able to start important urban development projects like cheap housing next to metro stations, which will enable "walk-to-work" living arrangements, by turning the land into ownership. In order to prepare local youth for employment prospects associated with the construction of metro and urban infrastructure, land may also be utilised to establish skill development centres and other educational establishments.