India, Oct. 10 -- Cemindia Projects Limited (formerly ITD Cementation India Limited) has been awarded the contract for the Swargate-Katraj underground extension of the Pune Metro. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) officials confirmed that a letter of engagement will be issued soon, followed by a work order next month. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.

Atul Gadgil, director (works) of Maha-Metro, said bids were opened on September 20 and the letter of engagement will be signed this month. The contract was finalised within 10 days. "The selected company will start work next month," said Gadgil.

The 5.5-km underground stretch is part of Phase II of the Pune Metro expansion. It will ease congest...