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Pashan
Pashan
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Pashan is suburb of Pune, India. It is located off the Mumbai-Bangalore national highway, by-passing Pune city. Pashan road serves as the main approach road for Mumbai-Pune expressway.[1] Pashan is bordered by Baner in north, Sus on west, Bavdhan in south and Pune University in east. It was majorly developed by the D R Kulhalli Company. Pashan is mostly a residential suburb of Pune and large portions are occupied by various governmental and educational institutions. In October 2019, Pashan received more rainfall than the wettest place on Earth.[2]

Key Information

Etymology

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Pashan literally means rock or stone in Sanskrit and local Marathi language.[3]

Administration

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Pashan is part of the Kothrud (Vidhan Sabha constituency).[4] It has two ward representatives in Pune Municipal Corporation.

Pashan Lake

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Panoramic view of the lake
Sunset at pashan lake

Pashan lake is a manmade lake, built by bunding a small river (Ramnadi). The river originates from Bavdhan and flows via Pashan, Sutarwadi, Baner to Someshwarwadi before flowing into the main Mula river.[5] The total catchment area is 40 square kilometres (15 sq mi). Lake served as a source of water to old Pashan village, for growing crops all the year round and to nearby Governor's house.[6] Lake and its surrounding area attracts migratory birds and so is popular spot for bird watchers. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has constructed a 300-metre footpath called the nature trail alongside the lake. It is constructed along the western shore of Pashan lake. Also, PMC has built a bamboo plantation and wall alongside the lake to protect it and attract birds.[7] Within municipal limits of Pune city, Pashan has the maximum hill area of 5111.89 hectors (excluding 23 fringe villages).[8]

The Baner – Pashan Biodiversity Park has also been proposed by the PMC.[9] The land of 200 hectors is owned by state government and runs along Baner Hill. The hill has variable flat and dome shaped topography much of which is formed by rocky, strata with a small layer of soil.[10]

Environmental Concerns

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Recently, deforestation on nearby hills has caused heavy silt formation resulting in decrease in the depth of the lake.[11] Ipomea weed is also cited as a major cause of lake's deterioration as it prohibits the growth of other plants. Also washing of trucks in the area contributes to the pollution by adding oil and petrol to the sewage. PMC estimates that 40,000 people could be provided with drinking water at per capita cost of 250 (US$3.00) as compared with the existing per capita cost of 1,500 (US$18).[12]

The water quality deteriorated fast as the quantity of sewage water and other effluents mixing in the water kept rising. PMC worked towards improving the filtration plant but water quality remained poor.[13] In 1998, Pune Municipal Corporation discontinued providing drinking water from the lake. However, now the lake is being studied for providing potable water again.[14] During the financial year 2004–2005 PMC spent 10 million (US$120,000) for de-silting Pashan and Katraj lakes. Reactivation of Pashan purification plant is also under PMC consideration.[15]

People and culture

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Balaji Mandir, a Hindu temple of Lord Balaji, is located at main intersection of village.[16] Temple is maintained by Sri Ahobila Mutt trust. The temple construction began in 1998 and temple was consecrated in 2002.[17] A lord Ganesha Mandir is situated aside the 'Vighnaharta Chowk' interchange. Someshwarwadi area has an old Shiva temple built at the time of Shivaji Maharaj. The temple is located on the banks of Ramnadi.[18]

On 4 July 2008 a tree plantation drive was taken up for maintaining the ecological balance ahead of 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games.[19] Pashan hosts a weekly vegetable market on Sundays. There are a fair amount of gypsy (Lamhani) community that lives around the hills in Pashan – and on a normal day – you are likely to see a few womenfolk with interesting costumes (with mirrors) and nose rings.

Major regions of Pashan were developed by the D R Kulhalli Company, who, still to this day owns large amounts of land in the area.

Transport

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Paved second section of Baner-Pashan Link road from Rolling Hills to Magnolia via Crystal Garden

Pashan is well connected to Baner, Aundh, Bavdhan, University Square, Sus via excellent roads. The train station is about 10 km away (20 mins) and the airport about 15 km away (35–40 mins). Suttarwadi, Abhinav College and Pashan village are the major stops for PMPML buses that cater to passengers. Direct buses are available from these stops to Kothrud Depot, Hinjewadi, Deccan Gymkhana, Marketyard[20] and Pune Station.[21]

Establishments

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pashan is a locality and suburb in the western part of , , , situated adjacent to the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway (NH 48). It serves as a primarily with a population of approximately 94,073 residents as of 2020, encompassing a mix of established neighborhoods and modern developments. Known for its green surroundings and strategic location near key employment hubs like the Hinjewadi IT Park, Pashan offers excellent connectivity via Pashan Road and proximity to the Line 3. The suburb is home to Pashan Lake, a century-old artificial created by damming the Ramnadi , which spans a of 18.7 km² and functions as a vital water source for surrounding regions while supporting local and recreation. Restoration efforts since 2005 have improved its and avifaunal diversity, making it a popular spot for picnics, , and community activities. Additionally, Pashan features natural attractions like Pashan Hill, an easy loop covering about 3 miles with 387 feet of gain, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Pashan stands out as a hub for scientific , hosting prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, an autonomous public university established in 2006 focused on integrated and . The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), located on Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, conducts advanced studies on weather, climate, and monsoon dynamics. Other notable facilities include the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, which specializes in defense-related materials development. These institutions contribute to Pashan's reputation as an intellectual and innovation-driven enclave within 's urban landscape.

Geography and Etymology

Etymology

The name "Pashan" derives from the Sanskrit word pāṣāṇa, which means "stone" or "rock." This etymology aligns with the area's prominent rocky terrain, characterized by stone quarries and hilly outcrops. In the local Marathi language, the term is adapted as pāṣāṇ, retaining the same meaning of "stone" and commonly used in regional nomenclature to describe lithic features. Historical records from the British colonial period, such as the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Poona (1885), refer to the locality as "Pa'sha'n," documenting it as a small village northwest of Poona with established usage of the name.

Geography

Pashan is a situated off the Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway (NH 48), approximately 12 km northwest of city center, providing convenient access to major transport routes while maintaining a semi-urban character. This positioning places it within the broader , facilitating connectivity to both the city core and surrounding rural areas. The is bordered by to the north, Sus to the west, Bavdhan to the south, and to the east, forming a distinct geographical enclave amid Pune's expanding western periphery. Pashan lies at an elevation of approximately 570 meters above , with precise coordinates at 18°32′7″N 73°46′58″E, reflecting its position on the undulating terrain. The area's is significantly shaped by the Ramnadi River, which originates in the Sahyadri hills and flows through Pashan en route to its with the Mula River; the river's catchment basin spans about 52.48 km², encompassing Pashan and influencing local drainage patterns through increased runoff from urbanizing impervious surfaces. This watershed, ranging in elevation from 541 to 926 meters, contributes to the seasonal water dynamics in the region, with Pashan's rocky landscape—potentially linked to its name—enhancing flow variability.

History

Early History

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Pashan formed part of the rural outskirts of , which came under Maratha control following the grant of fiefdom to by the Nizam Shahi of in the early 1600s. As emerged as a key center under Chhatrapati and later the s, Pashan remained a peripheral village with limited urban development, serving as agricultural land amid the expanding Maratha domain. High-caste Maratha families, including the Dhadphales, established residential places in Pashan village during the Peshwa period, contributing to sparse but stable rural settlements. The 18th-century Someshvar Temple near the Ramnadi indicates early cultural settlements in the area. Early settlement patterns in Pashan were shaped by its basaltic rocky terrain, which constrained intensive habitation and agriculture, while the Ramnadi river provided essential for crops in the surrounding fields. Communities relied on the Ramnadi's seasonal flows to sustain farming, fostering a pattern of dispersed hamlets rather than compact villages. In the British colonial period following the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, Pashan continued as predominantly agricultural land on Pune's periphery, with its water resources increasingly harnessed for colonial needs. To meet demands from nearby military and administrative sites, the British constructed Pashan Lake in 1867–68 by building a barrage across the Ramnadi, creating an artificial reservoir that supplied water to the Gunpowder Factory at Kirkee and the British Residency (now the main building of ), the governor's residence. This development enhanced for local estates while underscoring Pashan's role as a supportive rural to British Pune.

Modern Development

In the mid-20th century, Pashan underwent initial through residential plotting and initiatives led by private companies, facilitating the area's transition from rural to suburban character. Following India's in 1947, Pashan saw accelerated growth as a residential suburb, driven by its proximity to the and key government institutions, which spurred educational and administrative expansions in the region. This post-independence surge positioned Pashan as an attractive location for institutional development, with its strategic access to major highways enhancing connectivity to central . An extreme rainfall event in October 2019 highlighted vulnerabilities in Pashan's evolving , as the area recorded 316 mm of from October 1 to 22—exceeding the same period's rainfall in (221.7 mm), the world's wettest place, and (266.8 mm). This deluge caused widespread waterlogging on streets and strained local drainage systems, underscoring the challenges of rapid . By the 2020s, urbanization in Pashan had markedly shifted land use patterns, converting significant agricultural and green spaces to residential and institutional zones amid Pune's broader metropolitan expansion; for instance, approvals in the 2010s facilitated the rezoning of agricultural patches in Pashan for housing, reflecting a trend where over 50 km² of green areas across the Pune region transitioned to built-up land between 2001 and 2013.

Administration and Demographics

Administration

Pashan is governed as an integral part of the (PMC), which oversees municipal administration for the area. Following the 2025 ward delimitation, PMC consists of 41 wards, each represented by multiple elected corporators who address local civic concerns within the PMC's structure. The locality is included in the Kothrud Vidhan Sabha constituency (No. 210) of the , where the elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) handles state-level representation and policy implementation affecting the region. As of 2025, following the final ward delimitation announced by the PMC, Pashan remains fully integrated into Pune district's administrative framework and the broader , facilitating unified planning for urban expansion, infrastructure, and regional connectivity under the (PMRDA). Through the PMC's local governance mechanisms, Pashan receives essential , including distribution via the municipal network and operations coordinated by the solid waste management department, ensuring compliance with environmental and standards.

Demographics

Pashan, originally a small rural village, has undergone rapid as part of Pune's suburban expansion, leading to significant . According to the 2011 data from the for the then Ward No. 31 (Aundh area encompassing Pashan), the total was 15,205, comprising 7,573 males and 7,632 females, with 4,158 households. As of 2024, the of Pashan locality is estimated at approximately 94,000 residents, driven by residential developments and proximity to employment hubs. The demographic composition of Pashan reflects Pune's broader urban diversity, featuring a mix of local Marathi-speaking residents and migrants from other Indian states attracted by educational and institutions. In the 2011 Census, Scheduled Castes accounted for 967 individuals (6.4% of the ), while Scheduled Tribes numbered 57 (0.4%), indicating a relatively low proportion of marginalized groups compared to averages. Socio-economically, Pashan is characterized as a predominantly middle-class residential locality, bolstered by high rates linked to nearby premier institutions such as the National Chemical Laboratory and IISER Pune. The 2011 literacy rate stood at approximately 88.5%, with 13,462 literates out of the total population, including 6,748 males and 6,714 females. Housing patterns emphasize modern gated societies and plotted developments, many originating from early private initiatives like those by D.R. Kulhalli Constructions, catering to professionals and families. The child population (age 0-6) in 2011 was 1,121, representing about 7.4% of the total, with a balanced distribution of 572 males and 549 females, underscoring stable family demographics in this evolving suburb.

Environment and Landmarks

Pashan Lake

Pashan Lake is an artificial reservoir constructed during the British colonial period in 1867-68 by the Ramnadi river, at a cost of approximately £16,700. The lake's spans 40 square kilometers, primarily drawing from the Ramnadi watershed in the western part of . This man-made water body was engineered to address local water needs, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding region. Historically, the lake played a crucial role in , enabling year-round crop cultivation in the old Pashan village by providing a reliable . Stored water was also pumped to the Governor's residence at Ganeshkhind—now part of —meeting domestic demands during the colonial era. Over time, its utility extended to supporting nearby agricultural activities, though urban expansion later shifted its primary functions. The lake covers a surface area of approximately 62.5 hectares, with depths that have varied significantly due to ongoing from upland . Originally deeper, reaching up to 15.5 meters in parts, silt accumulation has reduced average depths to around 6 meters by the early , affecting storage capacity. Despite these challenges, the lake sustains local , particularly serving as a habitat for various bird , including migratory flocks attracted to its environs. Maintenance efforts by the (PMC) have focused on addressing to preserve the lake's functionality. In the financial year 2004-2005, the PMC allocated ₹10 million for de-silting operations at Pashan Lake, alongside similar work at Katraj Lake, aiming to restore water-holding capacity. These initiatives highlight ongoing attempts to mitigate broader environmental pressures in the area, such as sediment inflow from surrounding development.

Biodiversity and Conservation

The Baner-Pashan encompasses a proposed 200-hectare spanning the and Pashan suburbs of , aimed at preserving native and amid urban expansion. As of 2025, development efforts focus on restoring ecosystems through and rehabilitation, supporting species such as migratory birds and endemic while serving as a for the region. In 2025, environmental groups and former officials urged the PMC to protect the from construction threats and maintain reservations amid government reviews. The (PMC), in collaboration with environmental organizations, has developed nature trails along the Pashan hills to promote eco-tourism and public awareness of local . These trails, including those managed by the , facilitate guided walks that highlight geological features, native vegetation, and wildlife observation, encouraging sustainable recreation without disturbing habitats. Pashan encompasses Pune's largest hill forest area within municipal limits, covering 511.89 hectares and featuring biodiversity hotspots with dry deciduous species like teak (Tectona grandis). This forest supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, including endemic trees and understory plants that contribute to soil conservation and carbon sequestration in the urban landscape. Conservation efforts in Pashan face significant challenges from urban encroachment, with illegal constructions fragmenting habitats and reducing in the Baner-Pashan hills. Additionally, events, such as the heavy 2020 rainfall that triggered a and flooding, have exacerbated degradation by causing and altering hydrological patterns in the area.

Culture and Society

Religious Sites

Pashan, a suburb of , hosts several notable Hindu temples that serve as focal points for local devotion and cultural practices. Among them, the Sri Ahobila Mutt's Sri Balaji Mandir stands as a prominent site dedicated to Lord (Balaji), consecrated on February 4, 2002, by the 45th Jeer of the Sri Ahobila Mutt. This temple, modeled after the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, features idols of Sri Balaji, Sri Padmavati, and Sri Nrusimha, attracting devotees from the local community for daily worship and special rituals that emphasize Vedic traditions and spiritual liberation. Its serene location amid the green hills of Pashan enhances its role as a major worship center for residents seeking divine blessings. The Vighnaharta Ganpati Temple, situated near Vighnaharta Chowk, is another key religious landmark dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This temple draws locals during festivals, particularly , where elaborate processions and immersions reflect Pashan's vibrant participation in the ten-day celebration honoring Ganesha's birth, a tradition deeply embedded in 's cultural fabric. Community gatherings at the site foster devotion and unity, aligning with the broader festival's emphasis on public worship and cultural events. The Old Shiva Temple, known as Someshwar Temple in Someshwarwadi, represents a historical gem from Pashan's pre-urban era, believed to date back approximately 900 years and constructed using black stone in the Hemadpanti architectural style. The current structure was renovated under the patronage of Rajmata , mother of Maharaj, incorporating traditional Maratha influences while preserving its ancient Shiv Linga as a self-manifested (swayambhu) . Spanning 3.5 acres along the Ram Nadi riverbank, it features intricate carvings and models of the 12 Jyotirlingas, serving as a spiritual retreat for worshippers. These temples play a central role in Pashan's community rituals, especially during and Navratri, when heightened activities such as aartis, processions, and utsavams draw crowds for prayers and cultural immersion. At Balaji Mandir, Navratri Utsavam includes special ceremonies honoring the divine forms, while devotees at Someshwar Temple participate in Navratri observances tied to the goddess's worship. celebrations at the Ganesha temple amplify local fervor, contributing to Pashan's integration of religious practices into everyday life.

Community and Culture

The community in Pashan reflects a vibrant mix of local traditions and modern urban lifestyles, shaped by its evolution as a residential of . Residents engage in daily routines that blend Maharashtrian customs, such as traditional home-cooked meals featuring regional staples like and sabudana khichdi, with contemporary influences from the city's IT-driven workforce. This fusion is evident in the participation of Pashan locals in broader Pune cultural events, including literary festivals and fairs that highlight Maharashtra's heritage while incorporating global elements. A key social hub is the weekly vegetable market, where residents gather to purchase fresh produce, fostering interactions among families and vendors in a lively atmosphere that promotes community bonding. Held in designated market spaces, this event not only supports local but also serves as an informal venue for exchanging and building neighborhood ties, especially amid ongoing discussions about expanding such markets to include organic options. Pashan is home to a notable Banjara (also known as Lamani) community comprising over 300 families, whose presence adds to the area's cultural diversity through their traditional crafts, such as intricate and , which have adapted to urban demands while preserving nomadic roots. Members of this community, many of whom migrated to Pashan in recent decades, contribute to local vibrancy by preserving their . The social dynamics in Pashan emphasize a family-oriented residential environment, particularly following rapid development in the that transformed it into a preferred for professionals seeking green spaces and proximity to employment hubs. This growth has strengthened social cohesion and reflects the area's shift from rural outskirts to a balanced urban enclave. Residents occasionally join religious festivals at nearby temples, adding a layer of shared spiritual traditions to everyday life.

Establishments and Economy

Educational Institutions

Pashan hosts several educational institutions that cater to primary, secondary, and higher education needs of the local community. Among the key colleges is Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, a prominent local institution offering diploma and certificate courses in fine arts, including and . Established in 1925 and run by the Bharatiya Kala Prasarini Sabha, the college has served as an accessible hub for arts education in the area, with its campus located along Sus Road in Pashan. The suburb's educational landscape benefits significantly from its proximity to (SPPU), located approximately 5 kilometers away in Ganeshkhind, which facilitates easier access to advanced higher resources and collaborative opportunities for students and faculty. This closeness enhances enrollment and academic exchanges, contributing to Pashan's role as an educationally vibrant suburb. Local primary and secondary schools, primarily managed by the (PMC), form the foundation of education in Pashan, with institutions such as PMC School No. 55 B in Sutarwadi and PMC School VINI 20 along Baner-Pashan Link Road providing education from grades 1 to 8. These schools emphasize STEM subjects, influenced by the neighboring research facilities like the Education and Research (IISER) Pune, which supports hands-on STEM programs in local schools to foster scientific curiosity among students. The collective impact of these institutions has bolstered Pashan's high literacy rate, aligning with Pune city's overall figure of 89.56% as per the 2011 Census, where male literacy stands at 92.31% and female at 86.67%, reflecting strong community emphasis on education.

Research and Government Facilities

Pashan hosts the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), established in 1958 to achieve self-sufficiency in conventional armaments through research, design, and development. Located at Dr. Homi Bhabha Road in Pashan, Pune, ARDE is the largest DRDO laboratory, employing over 1,700 scientists and focusing on areas such as weapon systems, aerodynamics, ballistics, and munitions. Its contributions include the development of advanced artillery systems and air-delivered munitions, enhancing India's defense capabilities. The (NIV), an apex virology institute under the (ICMR), operates a key Microbial Containment Complex in Pashan at 130/1, Sus Road, dedicated to research on viral diseases of importance. Established in 1952 as the Virus Research Centre in collaboration with the , it was redesignated as NIV in 1978 to expand its scope in virus isolation, characterization, and outbreak investigations. NIV plays a critical role in national and international viral surveillance, including the development of diagnostics and vaccines for emerging threats like , where it analyzed thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genomes. With over 1,100 staff members (as of 2025), it supports in neighboring countries for viral diagnostics and research. Pashan accommodates various state and central government offices and administrative buildings, which occupy substantial land areas and contribute to the locality's institutional landscape. These include facilities like the (IMD) training institute and defence-related administrative units such as the Joint Controller of Defence Accounts (JCDA), alongside fire stations and offices. Such establishments underscore Pashan's role as a cluster for governmental operations in research, defence, and public services. The concentration of these research and government facilities has significantly boosted local and positioned Pashan as an hub by 2025, fostering scientific advancements and in Pune's western suburbs. ARDE and NIV alone provide thousands of jobs in specialized fields, stimulating ancillary services and collaborations with nearby educational institutions like . This ecosystem enhances regional , with ongoing projects in defence technology and driving knowledge-based and infrastructure development.

Transport and Infrastructure

Road Connectivity

Pashan is primarily accessed via Pashan Road, which serves as the main approach route connecting the locality to the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) through the Pashan-Sus Road. This connection is facilitated by a flyover constructed by the (PMC) that spans NH-48, allowing direct vehicular movement from Pashan to Sus and reducing bottlenecks at the highway junction. The locality links to neighboring areas via Baner Road to the north, providing seamless access to and further to Aundh and . To the south, connections extend through the Baner-Bavdhan Road, facilitating travel to Bavdhan and surrounding suburbs. Pashan lies approximately 10 km from Pune Railway Station by road and 15 km from Pune International Airport, making it conveniently positioned for commuters. Post-2010 infrastructure developments have focused on widening key roads to manage growing suburban . The -Pashan Link Road project, with commencing in 2014, has been expanded to improve direct connectivity between Baner and Pashan, including compulsory land acquisition approved in 2024 for its completion. Additionally, the Bawdhan-Pashan Road is being widened into a 36-meter-wide (DP) road from Chandani Chowk, with work expedited as of November 2025 to enhance capacity for local and through . Ongoing efforts include a proposed 32-km elevated corridor along NH-48 from to Narhe, divided into phases with the first covering Dehu Road to Pashan-Sus, aimed at alleviating congestion estimated to cost ₹6,000 . These roads integrate briefly with public bus services to support broader mobility.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Pashan primarily relies on the (PMPML), which operates an extensive network of bus services connecting the locality to key areas across . These buses facilitate access to residential, commercial, and employment hubs, with major routes originating or terminating at stops like Pashan Naka, located near Pashan Lake. PMPML routes serving Pashan include connections to via bus line 110, which runs every 15 minutes and takes approximately 21 minutes from Vanaz Corner to Pashan Naka. Services to Hinjewadi IT Park are provided by route 103, operating hourly from Shivaji Chowk in Hinjewadi to Kokate Aali in Pashan, covering the 21-minute journey and supporting commutes to the area's offices. For Aundh, route 255 offers direct service every 15-30 minutes, linking Pashan to Aundh in about 14 minutes. Central is accessible via route 30 or 145, with departures from Pashan Naka to Pune Station every 30 minutes. Overall, these services run at frequencies of 15-30 minutes during peak hours, ensuring broad coverage with stops at landmarks such as Pashan Lake and nearby educational and research facilities. These bus networks play a crucial role in daily commuting for Pashan residents, particularly to employment hubs like Hinjewadi IT Park, where thousands of IT professionals travel westward each day, reducing reliance on private vehicles amid growing urban traffic. Future enhancements include planned integration with Pune Metro Line 3 (Pink Line), with trial operations extended to Baner as of October 2025 and full launch expected by March 2026 to improve connectivity to Pashan-adjacent areas like Baner and Balewadi Phata, allowing seamless transfers from buses to metro stations such as Baner and Shivaji Nagar. This development aims to streamline access to central Pune and western suburbs, enhancing overall transit efficiency.

References

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