Pune: The Pune Metro Line-2 extension has been approved by the Centre, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 3,626 crore. The minister added the metro project will improve connectivity across the city’s fast-growing areas. The expansion will add two new stretches:Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A)Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B)These routes will build on the current Vanaz–Ramwadi line and together span 12.75 km, adding 13 new metro stations. Areas like Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi – all important residential, business, or tech hubs – will be linked. Timeline and Funding The entire project is expected to be completed in four years. The cost will be shared equally by the Government of India, the Maharashtra government, and international funding agencies, said a TOI report. Why It Matters This extension is part of Pune’s long-term Comprehensive Mobility Plan, aiming to offer a smoother east-west metro link, from Chandani Chowk to Wagholi. The new corridors will connect Pune Metro Line 1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line 3 (Hinjewadi–District Court) at the District Court Interchange Station, allowing easier travel across the network. It will link up with long-distance bus services from cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Ahilya Nagar, making commuting into Pune more seamless. This project is expected to reduce traffic on major roads like Paud Road and Nagar Road, offering a faster, greener, and more dependable public transport option, the report added.