Maha Metro to Extend Pune Metro Line 3 to Loni Kalbhor with Central Support
The Pune Metro is gearing up for a significant expansion, with the extension of Line 3 from Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor on track to receive fast-tracked approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This crucial extension is part of Maharashtra’s effort to improve urban mobility and connectivity, specifically linking key areas of Pune with the rapidly developing suburbs and IT hubs.
According to senior officials from the state’s urban development department, the proposal for the 31-kilometre extension has already been submitted to the Centre, and approval is expected to be granted shortly. This would allow the Maharashtra state government to begin calling for tenders to move the project forward. A source in Maha Metro confirmed that the approval process would be expedited to ensure the timely delivery of the much-needed infrastructure. The extension project will be jointly funded by the central and state governments, with an emphasis on improving the overall connectivity of the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR). With the increasing need for modern transport infrastructure to accommodate Pune’s rapidly growing population, this extension is poised to reduce traffic congestion and offer a more sustainable alternative to road transport.
The extension of Metro Line 3 will significantly enhance accessibility between key areas such as Shivajinagar, Hadapsar, and the Loni Kalbhor region. This expansion aims to not only cater to the daily commute of thousands of residents but also supports better connectivity to the upcoming Purandar airport. It aligns with the city’s broader goals of modernising its transport network and catering to the booming IT sector, with plans to integrate areas like Hinjewadi and Hadapsar, two of the city’s biggest IT hubs. State government officials believe the Loni Kalbhor extension will play a critical role in improving connectivity for residents of the eastern Pune suburbs, while also fostering commercial growth. “By linking Loni Kalbhor with key business and residential zones, we aim to streamline daily commuting and bolster Pune’s standing as a business and tech hub,” an official explained.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), in collaboration with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), had initially planned the development of these extensions. As per an October 2024 order from the state government, Maha Metro has now been tasked with executing all the extensions under one organisational umbrella. This decision followed deliberations to streamline efforts and ensure the smooth implementation of Pune’s Metro network expansion.
The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3, currently being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Tata Group, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Once this project is completed, the focus will shift to the 23-km route, which will be the first operational stretch of Pune Metro’s ambitious expansion plans. The Maharashtra state government is already preparing for a review meeting, where both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister will discuss updated timelines for the completion of the 23-km route. Officials anticipate a finalisation of these dates in the coming months, ensuring the project stays on track for its expected 2025 completion.
The metro’s extension to Loni Kalbhor reflects Pune’s commitment to sustainable urban transport solutions, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and facilitating economic growth. As more residents opt for metro services over personal vehicles, the city is set to witness less traffic gridlock and more efficient commutes. In addition to the Loni Kalbhor extension, Maha Metro is also working on other projects, including the Swargate to Loni Kalbhor and Saswad extensions, further improving the region’s connectivity. Once complete, these extensions will form a comprehensive metro network, covering crucial urban and suburban areas, creating seamless connections for commuters, and enhancing Pune’s overall urban mobility. As Pune moves towards a more connected future, the swift approval and execution of the metro extension project is a key milestone in the city’s transformation into a modern, sustainable metropolis.
