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Pune is set to become one of the latest Indian cities to operate a metro line using a third-rail power system. The 23-km Metro Line 3, which connects Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar, has completed full trial runs and is now in the final stage before commercial operations begin.
Pune Metro Line 3
Known as the Puneri Metro, Line 3 will be the first metro corridor in Pune to use a 750V DC third-rail power system instead of overhead electric wires. In this system, metro trains receive electricity through collector shoes fitted under the coaches. These collect power from a rail placed alongside the tracks rather than from overhead cables.
Third Rail System Usages
According to officials, the third-rail system offers several advantages. Since there are no overhead wires or supporting poles, the metro corridor has a cleaner appearance and blends better with the city's surroundings. The system is also easier and less expensive to maintain, is more reliable during power interruptions, and is suitable for metro lines where trains run frequently at short intervals.
Third-rail technology is already used in parts of the Kolkata Metro, Bengaluru's Namma Metro, and a few other metro systems in India. With Line 3, Pune will join this growing list.
Pune's New Metro Line to Use CBTC
The new metro line will also use Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), an advanced digital signalling system. This technology continuously monitors the position and speed of each train, allowing trains to operate safely with shorter headways. It also supports future upgrades, including higher levels of automation.
The corridor will pass through important areas such as Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi, Wakad, Baner, Balewadi, University Circle, and Shivajinagar. It is expected to greatly improve travel between Pune's IT hub and the city centre, where traffic congestion is a major problem.
The project will open in phases: the first phase will cover 13.3 km from Maan to R.K. Laxman Museum with 12 stations. The second phase will extend the line to District Court station, connecting it with the existing Maha Metro network. The project is currently awaiting final approvals before passenger services begin. Once operational, the metro is expected to reduce travel time between Shivajinagar and Hinjawadi from around 90 minutes to about 45 minutes.