Pune residents have criticised footpath widening under the Smart City Mission, saying it narrows roads, reduces parking and open space for broken-down vehicles, and worsens congestion as vehicle numbers rise. Akurdi resident Rahul Jadhav supports pedestrian-friendly footpaths but says road width should not be sacrificed; he called for surveys of pedestrian footfall and said land could be acquired where foot traffic is high. Smart City works include concrete roads, cycle lanes, an integrated command centre, footpath widening, and recreation and beautification. Sadashiv Peth resident Akshay Killedar said inadequate public transport and incomplete metro and railway coverage lead residents to use private vehicles. He cited oversized footpaths and low pedestrian use along the Sangvi-to-Kalewadi road, questioning spending crores of rupees on widened footpaths and cycle lanes.

Track-laying began about a week ago on the completed Akurdi–Nigdi stretch of the 4.4-km PCMC–Nigdi Metro extension; electrical and mechanical works started last month. About 75% of the viaduct is complete. Maha Metro is laying tracks on ready sections before the entire elevated structure is finished to shorten the schedule.

Construction began in August 2024, and substantial completion is targeted for next year. The next six to eight months will focus on stations, a time-consuming phase. Four stations beyond the existing PCMC station are planned: Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi and Bhakti Shakti Chowk. Their locations are finalised, and required land is available without major acquisition issues.

Passengers travelling towards Nigdi currently change at Pimpri for a PMPML bus. Commuters have urged completion by March 2027. Motorists have reported damaged roads near construction sites; Maha Metro is coordinating repairs and maintenance with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi set May 15 as the deadline for development works on the Dehu–Alandi Palkhi route, ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 25, 2026. At a review meeting with Dehu and Alandi Sansthan representatives, he said the administration would act on pending demands.

• The Public Works Department and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation must complete their respective sections of the five-kilometre Dehu–Dehu Road widening. The Collector’s Office will follow up on a no-objection certificate from Dehu Road Cantonment Board.
• A 500-metre road to the Dehu temple will be completed under the Urban Redevelopment Scheme.
• A joint survey will identify temporary space for the palanquin’s first stop at Akurdi, where space is limited.
• Metro work between Kalbhor Nagar and Akurdi is to be completed before the palanquin arrives.
• Space will be increased at the Loni Kalbhor stop; stop-related issues at Undwadi, Sansar and Nimgaon Ketki in Gawla will be addressed.

Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi directed departments to complete development and infrastructure works on the Dehu and Alandi Ashadhi Wari Palkhi routes by May 15. He ordered immediate demolition of the old Nira bridge and expedited road widening in Alandi municipal limits. Ambulances must be on standby during the return Wari.

The 5 km Dehu–Dehu Road stretch is to be widened on priority: 3 km by the Public Works Department and 2 km by Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The administration will seek a no-objection certificate from Dehu Road Cantonment Board. A 500 metre road leading to the Dehu temple will be completed under the urban development scheme.

Officials will inspect Akurdi, the Palkhi’s first stop, and arrange temporary space. Metro work between Kalbhor Nagar and Akurdi must finish before the procession. The halt area at Loni Kalbhor will be expanded. Continuous night lighting is required from Sancheti to Fergusson College Road; obstacles must be cleared from the Borawake Mala–Saswad bypass, and barricades installed at Dive Ghat. Cranes will accompany the procession to address vehicle breakdowns.

The 4.4-km elevated Phase One extension from PCMC to Bhakti Shakti in Nigdi will add stations at Chinchwad, Akurdi and Nigdi. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2024; construction began in August 2024. Pune Metro Executive Director Hemant Sonawane said civil work is progressing and the target is 30 months, against a 36-month deadline. Administrative processes for escalators, lifts and overhead cables are complete. The project is estimated to cost ₹1,048.22 crore and includes stations, intermodal integration, pedestrian bridges, environmental assessments, depots and parking.

The 17.4-km Swargate–PCMC line is operational. The 5.5-km underground Swargate–Katraj extension is pending until 2029; the 15.7-km Vanaz–Ramwadi route is operational. Approved extensions toward Chandani Chowk and Wagholi span 12.75 km, with 13 stations, and are due within four years at ₹3,636.24 crore. PMRDA’s 23-km Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar District Court Line 3 is slated to begin operations by March 2026.