The long-awaited metro rail service connecting Maan Village, Hinjewadi, and Shivajinagar in Pune is likely to face a significant delay, with the new timeline pushing the expected launch into next year.
The 24-kilometre elevated metro route, which is set to play a critical role in connecting Pune’s bustling IT hub in Hinjewadi with central parts of the city, was initially slated to open this month. However, incomplete work on vital infrastructure and civil works has led to the rescheduling of the project, with the new expected operational date now set for September. The Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi route, which is part of the Pune Metro Phase 1 development, will be a key artery for the city. It promises to enhance connectivity for daily commuters, especially those travelling to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi, and reduce dependence on private vehicles. This route will also include 23 stations along its 24-kilometre stretch, making it an essential part of the city’s evolving transport ecosystem.
According to officials, significant progress has been made, with about 85% of the work completed so far. While some critical infrastructure, including testing facilities, is expected to be ready by the end of December, further delays in civil work, particularly at the Pune University junction, have prompted the need for an extended timeline. Notably, work on the ambitious double-decker flyover from Pune University to Agriculture College, which will incorporate both metro and road traffic, is one of the primary factors contributing to the delay. The delay in the opening of the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi route has raised concerns among local residents, especially those in the tech and business sectors who rely on smooth, fast connections to the IT hub. Pune’s metro project, which was launched with the goal of alleviating road congestion, has already seen two successful routes come online—the Vanaz to Ramwadi line and the Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate line. The extension to Shivajinagar was supposed to follow suit, but the challenges of completing construction amid a bustling city environment have proved to be greater than anticipated.
Civic activists have voiced their concerns, criticising the delays as being detrimental to the city’s long-term infrastructure planning. According to these activists, the postponement highlights the ongoing inefficiencies in the execution of large-scale urban development projects in the city. They also express frustration at the lack of timely communication regarding the adjustments to the metro schedule. At the same time, urban transport experts believe that while the delays are regrettable, the project’s successful completion will ultimately serve the city’s growing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly transport options. The Pune Metro, with its potential to reduce traffic congestion and contribute to lower carbon emissions, is seen as a key step towards making the city more livable and reducing the environmental footprint of urban transportation.
The city’s leaders are reportedly focused on accelerating the remaining work, ensuring that when the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi route opens, it meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Authorities are prioritising the successful completion of the civil work for the double-decker flyover, which is essential to the integrated design of the metro line and road traffic management. In addition, the metro system is expected to make a significant contribution to the city’s overall efforts to promote zero net carbon emissions. By providing a public transport alternative to private vehicles, the metro will help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape.
Despite the setbacks, the completion of the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi route remains a crucial piece of Pune’s urban transport network. Once operational, it will likely improve accessibility for thousands of residents and workers who travel to the city’s IT parks, educational institutions, and commercial hubs. In the long term, it is expected to reduce reliance on road transport, promote eco-friendly travel, and contribute to the overall development of Pune’s infrastructure. As the metro network continues to grow, there is hope that similar delays will be avoided in future phases of the project, allowing the city to fully realise the benefits of modern, efficient public transport. The delayed route to Shivajinagar may be a setback, but it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in rapidly developing urban areas—where infrastructure, development, and urban mobility must evolve together.
Pune Metro Hinjewadi Shivajinagar Route Likely Delayed
