Pune’s southern suburbs could be brought onto the city’s mass transit grid by the end of the decade, with plans advancing for a nearly 20-kilometre extension of Pune Metro Line 3 from Shivajinagar to Kondhwa and Yewalewadi. Officials indicate that surveys and alignment studies are under way, with a detailed project report expected later this year, subject to statutory approvals.
The proposed corridor would extend the elevated Pune Metro Line 3, currently under development between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar, deeper into the city’s rapidly urbanising southern belt. The new stretch is planned to pass through key nodes including the collectorate area, Camp and Pulgate before heading towards Kondhwa and Yewalewadi. A spur is also being examined to connect NIBM Road with Undri, areas that have witnessed sustained residential growth over the past decade. Unlike the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar section, which is being implemented through a public-private partnership model under the regional development authority, the southern extension is expected to be executed directly by the state-run metro agency. Consultants have been appointed to prepare the detailed project report, which will outline alignment options, station locations and cost estimates. Stations are likely to be spaced roughly one kilometre apart to balance accessibility and travel speed.
For residents of Kondhwa, NIBM and Yewalewadi, the proposal addresses long-standing mobility challenges. These neighbourhoods have seen a steady influx of housing projects, schools and commercial establishments, but road infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with population growth. Peak-hour congestion along NIBM Road and connecting arteries routinely extends commute times, affecting both office-goers and small business operators. Urban mobility experts note that extending Pune Metro Line 3 southwards could reduce dependence on private vehicles and intermediate public transport, lowering per capita transport emissions. However, they caution that the success of the corridor will depend on seamless feeder services, pedestrian access and integration with bus networks.
From a real estate perspective, metro connectivity tends to reshape development patterns. Transit-oriented growth around proposed stations could encourage higher-density, mixed-use projects, provided planning norms are aligned with sustainability goals. Without coordinated zoning reforms, there is a risk of speculative land appreciation without corresponding public infrastructure. The detailed project report is expected to be placed before the municipal corporation and subsequently forwarded to the state and Union governments for approval. If clearances and funding are secured on schedule, construction could position the southern extension for completion around 2030–31. For a city grappling with expanding urban boundaries, the next phase of Pune Metro Line 3 represents more than a transport upgrade. It is a test of whether infrastructure expansion can keep pace with growth while advancing low-carbon, inclusive mobility.
Pune Metro Line 3 Expansion Planned
