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The much-awaited Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar metro corridor in Pune has been delayed once again. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is now aiming to launch metro services in July after completing important safety inspections and getting final approvals.
Pune Metro Corridor Inspection Work
Officials said that the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is likely to inspect the Hinjewadi-Baner section in the first week of June. After the inspection, the approval process may take around one month, which means metro operations are now expected to begin during the monsoon season.
A senior PMRDA official said that a request for inspection approval has already been sent to the CMRS. Tentative inspection dates have been received for the end of May or early June. Once the inspection is completed, the approval process usually takes about a month. Based on the current schedule, authorities are planning to launch the metro in July.
Pune Metro Line
The Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi metro is Pune's third metro corridor. It is being developed by PMRDA and Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited under a public-private partnership model. The project aims to connect the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi with central Pune and is expected to reduce traffic problems faced by lakhs of daily commuters and IT employees.
Reason behind the Delay
The metro service was originally supposed to begin in March 2025, but construction delays and unfinished station work have pushed back the launch several times. Authorities had earlier planned to start services on the 12-station Hinjewadi-Baner stretch from June 15, but that target has now been cancelled.
Officials said more than 90% of the work has been completed, but the final launch date is still uncertain. The Maharashtra Legislative Council election schedule may also affect the inauguration plans.
Commuters Frustration
Daily commuters travelling between Hinjewadi, Wakad, Baner, and Shivajinagar continue to face heavy traffic while waiting for the metro to begin. Many commuters expressed frustration over repeated delays and said the metro is urgently needed to reduce travel time and traffic congestion.