Maha-Metro has started a geological exploration survey of Bopodi-Khadki stretch for the construction of an elevated portion of Pimpri-Swargate route.

People may have to face severe traffic congestion on this narrow stretch in December if the defence land is not acquired for widening of the highway.

MahaMetro is constructing Pimpri-Swargate Metro route, having a total length of 16.589 km, for connecting the twin cities of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Out of this, 11.57-km stretch is elevated while the remaining 5-km stretch is underground. Around 8 km-long elevated stretch from Pimpri to Harris bridge (Dapodi) lies in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation limits.

MahaMetro has completed construction of the first pier at Vallabhnagar. The work of construction of piers is progressing at various stages from Kharalwadi to Nashik Phata in the median of the grade separator. Construction is also in progress from Atlas Copco to College of Military Engineering (CME) chowk. One lane of the grade separator, on both sides, is closed for Metro construction.

An official said, “The two-year contract for construction of piers was awarded in May 2017, wherein a total of 322 piers will be constructed. Construction of first pier has been completed. Construction of another five piers up to the first level has been completed. The foundation of 35 piers has been completed. Construction of seven piers will start in December.”

The official said that three elevated Metro stations will be built on the stretch from Harris Bridge to Range Hills.

These would be near Bopodi Police Chowkey and Khadki Railway Station along the