India, Dec. 1 -- MahaMetro has issued the work order to ITD Cementation India for the Swargate-Katraj underground metro extension, clearing the way for construction to begin finally. Officials said the contractor will start mobilising machinery shortly, with on-ground work expected to kick off next week.

The long-awaited extension, designed to ease traffic congestion and curb pollution in south Pune, has faced multiple delays since it was first proposed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the groundbreaking ceremony on September 29, 2024. The project was later revised to include two additional stations, Bibwewadi and Balajinagar, following sustained demands from residents and public representatives.

MahaMetro issued the work-start l...