MahaMetro plans 300 buses for last-mile connectivity cross city

In a major step towards enhancing last and first-mile connectivity,

is in the final stages of preparing the

(DPR) for procuring 300

. Officials confirmed that the report will be submitted to the state govt within a month for approval.

A senior MahaMetro official said, 'The proposal to be submitted to the state govt may also be forwarded to the Union govt for final approval, depending on the state's decision. The state will first assess the financial viability and other key aspects of the project before taking a final call.'

This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen public transport access across Metro corridors, particularly as Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro is under construction in full pace. The proposal for the buses stems from a review meeting chaired by Maharashtra chief secretary Sujata Saunik in January. The meeting focused on multi-modal integration and infrastructure synergy between agencies like MahaMetro, NIT, and NMC.

Originally, a demand for 500 feeder buses in Nagpur was discussed. However, the DPR currently being finalised seeks approval for 300 buses at an estimated cost of ₹220 crore. 'Ensuring last-mile connectivity is a key priority for us. With the expanding Metro network, reliable feeder services are essential,' said a senior MahaMetro official.

Complementing this initiative, the state has also taken steps to strengthen first-mile connectivity and promote safer travel options. Recently, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that MahaMetro will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy pink e-rickshaws across Metro stations in Nagpur. These vehicles, aimed primarily at enhancing travel safety for working women, are part of a larger state-level scheme led by the women and child development department.

The scheme intends to distribute 5,000 pink e-rickshaws in eight districts, including 2,000 for Nagpur. Sources said that around 60 were allotted to MahaMetro in the initial phase.