The completion of the much-anticipated Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, has been delayed once again. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has officially extended the project’s deadline to March 2026. Originally slated for completion in March 2025, the project has faced multiple delays due to various challenges.
As of now, over 85% of the construction work has been completed. However, issues such as pending barricading permissions, slow utility shifting, and disruptions caused by VIP movement on Ganeshkhind Road have hindered continuous progress. The 23-km elevated metro corridor, costing ₹7,420 crore, is being implemented on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis by the Tata Group through the PMRDA. The consortium of Trail Urban Transport Private Limited and Siemens Project Ventures has been entrusted with the project execution, while Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) is responsible for its implementation.
In addition to the metro project, the work on the city’s first double-decker bridge at Anand Rishiji Maharaj Chowk near Savitribai Phule Pune University, which will accommodate a metro station above the vehicular flyover, has also been extended. This flyover is now expected to be completed by October 30 this year. The repeated delays have raised concerns among commuters and industry leaders. The Information Technology (IT) sector in Pune has expressed apprehensions that these delays could lead to increased talent migration, as professionals may seek cities with more reliable infrastructure.
Authorities have assured that efforts are being made to expedite the remaining work. The PMRDA has initiated measures to improve drainage along the Metro Line 3 corridor to prevent waterlogging, which has been a recurring issue during the monsoon season. While the extended timeline is a setback, officials remain optimistic that the completion of the metro line will significantly ease traffic congestion between Pune’s IT hub in Hinjawadi and the busy Shivajinagar area, ultimately benefiting commuters and the city’s development.
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