Pune Metro Line 3 achieved another milestone on Ganesh Chaturthi with a successful trial run till Balewadi Stadium, bringing the project closer to its March 2026 deadline. With 87 per cent of work completed, the corridor is poised to transform urban mobility across Pune’s technology-driven western belt.
The trial, which commenced from Mann Depot and extended to Balewadi Stadium, marks the second major run following an earlier test in July between Mann Depot and Wipro station. Officials confirmed that trains on this stretch operated at a controlled speed of 40 km/h, a crucial step before full-scale testing begins in the coming months. The 23.3-kilometre Line 3 project, spanning 23 stations, is being executed under a public-private partnership model between the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd (PITCMRL). Once fully operational, the line will connect Hinjewadi’s bustling IT hub with Shivajinagar, offering a direct and sustainable alternative to road travel in one of Pune’s most congested corridors.
Officials explained that the three-coach trains are designed to be fully air-conditioned, with a carrying capacity of around 1,000 passengers and a top operational speed of 80 km/h. These features, paired with modern station design, are expected to significantly cut travel time and encourage a shift from private vehicles to mass transit. The project is not only a mobility solution but also an environmental imperative. By targeting one of the city’s most traffic-clogged corridors, Line 3 is expected to reduce vehicular congestion and thereby lower carbon emissions. For Pune, which faces rising air pollution levels and strained road infrastructure, the metro expansion aligns with broader urban goals of creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive transport systems.
Authorities emphasised that the March 2026 completion target remains on track, with construction moving steadily despite logistical challenges. The successful trial has provided confidence that subsequent phases of testing and integration will follow without major delays. Beyond easing daily commutes, Line 3 has the potential to unlock economic growth by strengthening connectivity between residential zones, IT parks, hospitals, and educational hubs. Experts note that efficient metro connectivity often stimulates real estate growth, while simultaneously offering a cleaner and safer mode of travel to thousands of workers and students.
With Ganesh Chaturthi marking this progress, the trial run has added symbolic value, reinforcing hopes that Pune’s transport future is moving in the right direction. If completed within schedule, Line 3 will not only be a crucial infrastructure addition but also a decisive step towards greener mobility in one of India’s fastest-growing urban regions.
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