The Union Cabinet approved projects worth ₹9,677 crore today pertaining to Pune metro extension and master plan for Jharia coalfield rehabilitation. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today said cabinet has approved extension of Pune metro II at an investment of ₹3,626 crore. The cabinet has also approved the Jharia coalfield – revised master plan for rehabilitation (₹5,940 crore) and setting up of International Potato Centre’s regional centre in Agra at an investment of ₹111.5 crore.

Pune Metro

“Pune Metro Rail Project Phase-2 from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B), as extensions of the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi corridor under Phase-1 have been approved by the Cabinet,” Vaishnaw said.

“These two elevated corridors will span 12.75 km and include 13 stations, connecting fast-developing suburbs such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is scheduled for completion within four years,” the government said in a release.

“The estimated project cost is ₹3,626.24 crore, to be equally shared by the government of India, government of Maharashtra, and external bilateral/multilateral agencies,” it added.

These extensions will serve key IT hubs, commercial areas, educational institutions, and residential pockets, increasing the share of public transport and ridership across the network.

Jharia master plan

Revised master plan for Jharia Coalfield located near Dhanbad in Jharkhand aims at addressing issues related to fire, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia coalfield. “The total financial outlay for the implementation of the revised plan is ₹5,940.47 crore. The phase wise approach shall ensure that handling of fire and subsidence and rehabilitation of the affected families will be done on priority basis from the most vulnerable sites,” the release said.

“The revised plan lays a much stronger emphasis on sustainable livelihood generation for families being resettled under the plan. Targeted skill development programmes are to be undertaken and income-generating opportunities will be created to ensure economic self-reliance of the rehabilitated families,” it added.