PCMC Fast-Tracks ERTS Project

• Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne clears way for DPR

Pimpri : In a major step towards addressing the growing traffic congestion in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated the process for implementing an Electric Rapid Transit System (ERTS) on the Nashik Highway–Wakad corridor. Following the approval of PCMC Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne, the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is set to gain momentum, paving the way for a safer and environmentally friendly public transport system for the city’s residents.

The proposal traces its origins to a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on April 11, 2025, where various public transport options—including Metro Rail, Metro Neo, BRTS, and ERTS—were reviewed for Pimpri-Chinchwad. Since the city’s BRTS network has not received the expected public response, ERTS emerged as a more efficient and future-ready mode of urban transport.

Following the meeting, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) initiated a feasibility assessment of the ERTS system and began the process of appointing consultants to prepare the Detailed Project Report. Several rounds of discussions were subsequently held between the state government, Maha Metro, and the PCMC administration.

During this period, Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne consistently pursued the proposal and advocated for giving priority to the ERTS project as a long-term solution to the city’s transportation needs. His follow-up led to the proposal being placed before the Standing Committee for approval, enabling the project to move to the next stage.

ERTS Corridor Proposed

As per the approved proposal, the ERTS corridor will run from Godown Chowk – Kudalwadi Chowk – Auto Cluster – Kalewadi Phata – Jagtap Dairy Chowk – Wakad Chowk along the Nashik Highway. The corridor is strategically important as it connects the Nashik Highway with the Bengaluru National Highway and is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion while providing a modern public transport alternative.

Maha Metro has already initiated the consultant appointment process for preparing the DPR. Following the Standing Committee’s approval, the proposal will be placed before the City Improvement Committee and the General Body before being forwarded to the state government for further approval.

‘Strengthening Public Transport is the Need of the Hour’ – Abhishek Barne

Speaking on the development, Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne said, “With Pimpri-Chinchwad witnessing rapid urban growth, strengthening the city’s public transport system has become the need of the hour. ERTS will provide a modern, eco-friendly, and efficient mode of transportation. It is a significant step towards the city’s future development, and we are making every effort to ensure the project is implemented at the earliest.”