Mumbai, Sept. 15 -- The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) plans a last-mile connectivity network of about 19.2 km for the first eight stations on the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar metro line three. The authority floated a tender on September seven to appoint a project management consultant to prepare a detailed project report, cost estimates, drawings and street designs and to assist tendering and execution. The consultant will carry out surveys covering traffic, pedestrian movement, land use and parking.
The proposal covers the first eight stations from the Hinjewadi end - Megapolis Circle, Quadron Circle, Dohler, Infosys Phase II, Wipro Technologies, Pall India, Shivaji Chowk and Hinjewadi. PMRDA maps show the metro stretch runs about 10 km and map roughly 19.2 km of roads for last-mile improvements. At Megapolis Circle four links totalling about four point zero six km have been identified, at Quadron Circle three links cover about three point six seven km, the Shivaji Chowk network is about four point eight nine km and around Hinjewadi about one point eight five km.
The request for proposal (RFP) requires traffic and pedestrian counts at key junctions during morning and evening peak hours and specifies that designs respond to observed movement. The RFP clarifies that the tenders are for consultants to improve approaching roads, footpaths and foot overbridges and are not for construction or development of the stations themselves, the PMRDA superintendent engineer said. The emphasis is on pedestrian infrastructure and safe access.
The consultant will prepare detailed street designs including dedicated footpaths, cycle tracks where applicable, pedestrian crossings, speed-table crossings, pedestrian refuge islands and traffic-calming measures alongside bus and para-transit stops and parking. Provisions for street lighting, signage, street furniture and landscaping are required and junction designs are expected to reduce turning radii and improve pedestrian safety. Where adequate right of way exists the consultant will identify plazas and other public spaces.
The tender requires stakeholder consultations with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB), the public works department (PWD), Pune Metro and the traffic police to refine designs and resolve utilities. The station-focused approach aims to connect surrounding residential, commercial and employment areas so commuters can complete more of their journeys by public transport. Appointment of a project management consultant will precede final designs and bidding for execution.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.