Pune’s rapidly growing IT corridor could soon see a much-needed mobility boost, but a tussle over deadlines threatens to delay relief for commuters. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has urged the operator of Metro Line 3, linking Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, to launch services by the end of this year. However, Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd (PITCMRL), which is executing the project, maintains that full operations can only commence by March 2026.
The ₹8,300-crore metro corridor, spanning 23.3 km with 23 stations, is currently 87 per cent complete. The project, being developed under a public-private partnership, has already achieved a critical milestone with its fourth trial run conducted during Ganeshotsav. The test extended from Maan depot to Balewadi stadium station, recording speeds of 40 kmph, marking the first time a trial ventured outside the Hinjewadi area. Officials from PMRDA argue that slow progress in station construction is a major cause of concern. They believe accelerating work could allow the line to be operational by December, easing congestion along the city’s busiest tech corridors. Hinjewadi, home to thousands of daily commuters, continues to grapple with gridlocked roads and rising vehicular emissions. Metro Line 3, with its air-conditioned, three-coach trains capable of carrying 1,000 passengers each, is designed to absorb a significant share of this traffic while promoting a shift away from private vehicles.
Despite pressure from the planning authority, PITCMRL insists that phasing the launch is not viable. According to project officials, the service will be introduced in its entirety once all stations and systems are ready. This cautious stance underscores the technical complexities of ensuring safety and integration before full-scale operations can begin. The deadline debate comes as the larger Pune Metro network expands. Maha-Metro has recently proposed fresh extensions to industrial towns like Chakan and new routes stretching from Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Hadapsar, reflecting the city’s evolving transit demand. Together, these corridors have the potential to reshape urban mobility in Pune, creating seamless east-west and north-south connectivity while aligning with India’s broader sustainable transport agenda.
Transport experts emphasise that while project delays are a concern, the long-term environmental and economic gains of Line 3 are significant. By cutting private car usage and offering faster, cleaner alternatives, the metro is expected to reduce carbon emissions, ease road congestion, and enhance productivity across the IT and business districts it serves. For now, the pressure remains on PITCMRL to either expedite construction or defend its March 2026 timeline. Whichever deadline prevails, the urgency is undeniable — Pune’s workforce and its choked arterial roads are counting on the Pink and Blue trains of Line 3 to arrive sooner rather than later.
Also Read: Kochi Metro Pink Line Marks First Pier Cap Launch
