Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The opening of Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar, has been delayed again due to the election model code of conduct which will remain in force until the end of October. Although the corridor is ready for operations, commuters will have to wait until after the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections for the public launch.
Pune Metro Line 3 Opening has been Delayed
Metro Line 3 is an important project for Pune, particularly for IT professionals travelling between the city and the Hinjewadi IT park, expected to provide an alternative to road travel for daily commuters.
Legislative Council Elections in Pune
The Election Commission of India announced elections for the Legislative Councils of four states, including Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, elections will be held for five seats that are due to become vacant in December. Two of these seats are from the Pune Division Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies, while the other three are from the Amravati, Aurangabad and Nagpur divisions.
According to the election notification, the model code of conduct came into effect immediately in the concerned constituencies. As a result, the inauguration of Pune Metro Line 3 cannot be held during this period.
Pune Metro Line 3 Faced Several Delays
The project, developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), has already faced several delays. Earlier, the pending clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) was cited as a reason for the delay. The required approval was finally received in July, but the line has not yet been opened to the public.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to inaugurate the metro line. Therefore, the inauguration also depends on securing the Prime Minister's appointment.
A PMRDA official said that all 12 stations planned under Phase 1 are ready for operations. Meanwhile, PMRDA is completing work on five more stations so that they can be opened along with the initial 12 stations.
Metro Line 3 will have 23 stations in total and will connect with Pune's two existing metro corridors: PCMC-Swargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi.