Pune Metro Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Line is Facing Another Delay Before Passenger Services Begin

Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjewadi with Shivajinagar, is facing another delay before passenger services can begin. Although a major part of the corridor is ready, the launch is dependent on the remaining approvals and the final inauguration date.

Pune Metro Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Line

The 23.2-km elevated corridor has 23 stations and is being developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) through a public-private partnership. The line will connect the Hinjewadi IT hub with central Pune through important areas such as Wakad, Balewadi and Baner. It is expected to provide an alternative to the busy road network between Hinjewadi, Baner and Shivajinagar.

Initially, PMRDA planned to start passenger services at 12 stations. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granted provisional authorisation for passenger operations on July 23 for the first 12 stations, covering around 13 km between Maan and R K Laxman Museum at Balewadi. PMRDA later decided to increase the first-phase operation to 17 stations after seeking safety clearance for another five stations.

The six stations that are not planned to open initially are Laxmi Nagar, Balewadi Phata, Baner Gaon, Baner, Reserve Bank of India and Shivajinagar. Work and statutory approvals for these sections are still pending.

Pune Metro Line 3 Opening Faced Delay

The launch was earlier expected by the end of September, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate the service virtually. However, the Maharashtra legislative council election schedule brought the Model Code of Conduct into force, creating uncertainty over whether the inauguration could take place during this period.PMRDA said it was awaiting the inauguration date from the Prime Minister's Office and would seek guidance from the collector's office regarding the election code.

The project has already missed earlier June and July launch targets because of construction work and mandatory safety clearances. As a result, commuters travelling between Hinjewadi and central Pune may have to wait longer before the new metro service becomes available.