PUNE: Commuters waiting for the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro (Line 3) can anticipate partial relief by the end of June, with 12 stations expected to open in the initial phase, subject to necessary safety clearances, according to PMRDA officials following a meeting in Mumbai on Thursday.
The officials revealed that the overall project completion stands at 95.2%. “The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is scheduled to inspect the corridor later this month. A final decision regarding the launch will depend on this inspection. However, it’s likely that services could commence by the end of June, assuming all approvals are granted,” stated a senior official from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
The official also mentioned that an extension has been requested to begin operations, and the specific timeline will rely on CMRS authorization.
The initial rollout will be limited to 12 stations between Maan and Balewadi on the Hinjewadi side. “Some stations may have restricted access, such as single staircases, until the remaining work is finalized. A few stations are still under construction, and full operational readiness for this section may take an additional three to four months,” the official said.
The 23.23-km elevated corridor is anticipated to greatly enhance connectivity between Pune’s central business district and the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi, benefiting residents in the rapidly developing areas along the route.
Trial runs from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar have already been successfully conducted, as PMRDA commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari informed TOI last month. However, work on the remaining 11 stations near Shivajinagar is still ongoing, and officials expect these stations to be ready by October, allowing for operations along the complete corridor. Delays have been attributed to technical challenges at around four stations in Baner and Shivajinagar.
Once fully operational, Line 3 will integrate with Pune Metro’s existing network — Lines 1 (PCMC to Swargate) and 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi), which are currently in operation and being expanded.
While the partial launch will offer benefits to commuters in areas like Balewadi, many, particularly IT professionals, believe the full advantages will only be realized once the Shivajinagar connection is operational. “It has been a long wait. We hope the remaining stations are finished soon so the entire line can open,” remarked Tanya Thomas, an architect.
Pune Metro is India’s first public-private partnership-based Metro project approved by the Centre, developed by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Siemens.
