Pune’s Shivajinagar to Hinjawadi metro corridor, part of the city’s third metro line, has yet to commence passenger operations, drawing criticism from officials and public observers alike. The 23-kilometre line, featuring 23 stations connecting the Hinjawadi IT Park with central Pune, was initially slated for completion by March 2025, with services promised to begin ahead of Diwali.
Implemented under a public-private partnership by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), the line aims to address growing commuter demand, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable urban mobility in one of India’s busiest IT corridors. Once operational, the metro is expected to cut travel times from over an hour by road to just 20–25 minutes, benefiting hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.
Despite nearing completion, the project has faced repeated delays. Technical officials report that route alignment and final safety checks are ongoing, and all necessary technical clearances have yet to be issued. No formal inauguration date has been announced, leaving commuters dependent on the city’s bus network for daily transit.Public frustration is palpable. Social media reactions underscore disappointment with the continued delay, highlighting unmet expectations and political accountability concerns. Commuters express that despite nearly complete infrastructure, they continue to endure lengthy road journeys that the metro was designed to alleviate.
Experts note that while delays in large-scale infrastructure projects are not uncommon, timely communication and transparency are critical for public trust. Officials emphasize that ensuring technical and safety standards are fully met is paramount, particularly for a project of this scale that seeks to integrate seamlessly into Pune’s urban transport ecosystem.The Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi metro line embodies broader efforts to foster zero-carbon, eco-friendly urban transit solutions.
With traffic congestion contributing significantly to Pune’s carbon emissions, metro completion could reduce vehicular dependence and lower the city’s environmental footprint. Stakeholders argue that operationalising the line promptly will support equitable, sustainable urban development while enhancing efficiency for both IT professionals and local commuters.As the project approaches its final stages, the focus now is on rigorous safety certification, testing, and integration with existing transport networks. Observers and city residents alike are monitoring progress closely, hopeful that the metro corridor will soon deliver on its promise of faster, greener, and more reliable urban mobility.
Pune Shivajinagar Hinjawadi Metro Line Faces Delays Frustrating Commuters
