Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) conducted the first trial run of Metro Line 3—from the Maan depot near Hinjewadi to PMR 4 station—on Friday. This marks a crucial milestone ahead of the planned launch of the Maan–Balewadi Phata stretch later this year. Metro Line 3, a 23.3 km corridor linking Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar with 23 stations, remains 87 percent complete. Originally set for March 2026, the project has faced delays due to land acquisition issues and technical intricacies. However, the successful trial underlines confidence in meeting the completion timeline.
Implemented as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) between PMRDA and Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd—a Tata‑Siemens consortium—this metro line represents India’s first metro developed under such a partnership. Its operationalisation is expected to ease one of Pune’s most congested travel corridors, the daily route to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, which employs over 100,000 professionals. Officials from PMRDA highlighted that the trial enables comprehensive validation of track integrity, signalling systems, safety protocols, and staff readiness. “We are simulating full-load scenarios to test performance under real-world conditions,” confirmed a senior PMRDA engineer.
Four air-conditioned trainsets—each with three coaches and a capacity for 1,000 passengers—have already arrived. These trains are designed for speeds up to 80 km/h and are capable of seamless interchange with existing metro lines at Shivajinagar, thus enhancing intermodal connectivity. Urban planners say the early segment testing and phased opening of high-demand stretches like Balewadi Phata reflect strategic foresight. Partial launches provide tangible benefits—such as easing peak-hour traffic, reducing emissions, and fostering commuter trust, even before entire project completion.
Sustainability analysts emphasise that ramping up public transport is vital for Pune’s long-term climate goals. Metro ridership translates into fewer vehicles on the road, cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality in a rapidly expanding urban area. Still, key regulatory clearances remain pending, including inspections by RITES and the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety. The remaining two trainsets must be delivered and integrated. Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd is working to synchronise the remaining work streams within the March 2026 deadline.
Community advocates applaud the trial, noting the inclusive mobility benefits: “This metro will serve women, students, working people and migrant staff equitably, by improving safety, reliability and access,” said a city planning expert. Operational readiness also covers last‑mile integration. PMRDA is mapping feeder bus routes, cycle‑sharing networks, and pedestrian-friendly routes to ensure commuters can reach all 23 stations seamlessly. Economists argue that early operations organically boost ridership and revenue. Pune Metro Line 1 saw ridership surge after opening new links—showing that incremental access spurs adoption. The success of feeder connectors in cities like Bengaluru and Bogotá further emphasises the multiplier effect.
Residents in Balewadi and Hinjewadi, home to educational institutions, IT parks and residential developments, express optimism. With commercial launch on the horizon, these neighbourhoods may witness enhanced economic growth and urban renewal around station precincts. Critics caution that northward expansion toward Pimpri‑Chinchwad should follow, to prevent congestion and serve the region’s growing hinterland. They also urge improved integration with suburban rail and existing civic systems to build a full-fledged mobility grid.
In the coming months, Pune’s Metro Line 3 will undergo rigorous safety audits, public trials, and staff drills. As authorities prepare for commercial launch of the Balewadi stretch by year-end, the city inches closer to a transformative addition to its transit ecosystem.
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