The much-anticipated 23-kilometer Pune Metro Line 3, which will connect Maan to Shivajinagar, is now expected to be completed by April 2025 due to delays in the construction of an integrated flyover, sources from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) revealed. Initially slated for completion by November 2023, the flyover’s deadline has been extended to December and will now likely be ready by April 2025, impacting the overall timeline for the metro corridor’s full operation.
The delay in completing the flyover, a critical component for the metro line’s functionality, stems from ongoing construction work and the need for several permissions. The flyover construction includes the ramp and deck slabs, and authorities are also facing challenges in obtaining clearances for certain stretches of the route. As a result, the entire 23-km stretch from Maan to Shivajinagar, which also includes metro stations and significant infrastructure, is expected to open only by the end of next year. PMRDA officials cited heavy traffic along key routes, including the main University Chowk stretch, as one of the primary obstacles to progress. The need for regular traffic diversions, alongside issues of right-of-way and the shifting of utilities, has further complicated the completion of the flyover. Additionally, delays in obtaining necessary permissions for the installation of steel girders at critical points, including the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk, were exacerbated by the election period and Diwali festivities, during which construction activities were halted to avoid disrupting traffic and VIP movement.
Despite these setbacks, the construction of the integrated flyover has seen considerable progress, with approximately 75% of the work completed. However, officials highlighted that the main challenges remain in clearing the remaining construction activities along the University Chowk stretch, where road widening and the removal of electricity poles are required before the stations can be fully operational. The government had initially directed Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), the concessionaire for the project, to prioritize the completion of the flyover between SPPU and E Square junction by November 2023. The aim was to expedite traffic diversion approvals and road widening at select points to ensure minimal disruption to commuters. To facilitate this, it was also suggested that work be allowed round-the-clock, including during public holidays, to accelerate the flyover’s completion.
In addition to these efforts, the central government has recently approved an additional Rs 200 crore in viability gap funding for the project, in addition to the previously allocated Rs 400 crore. The central government is expected to provide approximately Rs 1,200 crore for the project, of which Rs 600 crore has already been released. Despite the delays, the completion of the 23-km metro corridor is expected to significantly improve urban mobility in Pune, reducing traffic congestion and providing a modern, eco-friendly alternative for daily commuters. While the flyover work remains a major hurdle, the project continues to progress, with hopes that the metro line will begin operation by the end of 2025.
