Pune has taken a decisive step in urban mobility with the successful trial run of Metro Line 3 between Mann Depot and Balewadi Stadium. Officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) confirmed that this marks the first extended trial beyond Hinjawadi, signalling strong progress for the project that aims to reshape urban commuting in India’s fast-growing IT hub.
The elevated Pune Metro Line 3 corridor, spanning 23.3 kilometres with 23 stations, will eventually link Hinjawadi to the Civil Court in Shivajinagar. Once operational, it is expected to drastically reduce travel time for daily commuters while easing pressure on Pune’s congested arterial roads. Transport experts highlight that the corridor will not only serve as a faster alternative to private vehicles but also integrate with the larger city-wide transit ecosystem.Constructed under a public-private partnership model, Pune Metro Line 3 is being implemented by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, a joint venture of Tata Group and Siemens. Officials associated with the project have stressed that the PPP framework has allowed for innovation in design and execution, keeping the focus on long-term sustainability and efficiencyEarlier this year, the PMRDA showcased the first look of the metro trainsets, which received positive feedback for their modern design and energy efficiency.
Also Watch :Â Â An Exclusive Interview with Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), CEO MHADA
The latest trials follow earlier successful runs on smaller stretches in July, gradually expanding in scale to ensure safety, performance, and operational readiness. Each phase of testing is being carefully monitored by engineers and safety experts before opening the corridor for public use.The trials are not merely a technical achievement but a symbolic leap towards the city’s aspirations of becoming a zero-carbon, eco-friendly urban centre. Transit specialists note that with the adoption of electric metro systems, cities like Pune can cut down significantly on vehicular emissions, aligning with broader climate goals and contributing to healthier urban living standards.
Officials have underlined that Line 3 will cater to the rapidly expanding IT corridor while providing equitable and affordable access to thousands of workers and residents. The emphasis, they say, remains on gender-neutral, safe, and inclusive transport systems that meet the needs of all citizens, from professionals to students to senior citizens.While the project is still in its trial phase, its momentum has been widely seen as a sign of reliable delivery. Pune’s commuters, long accustomed to traffic snarls and patchy public transport alternatives, may finally see relief as the metro inches closer to opening. Analysts believe the corridor will not only decongest roads but also stimulate new investments, residential developments, and a more balanced urban growth pattern across the city.As Pune pushes ahead with Metro Line 3 trials, the city’s journey towards sustainable, efficient, and inclusive mobility appears firmly on track, promising a transformative change in the years to come.
Pune Metro Line 3 Successfully Completes Trial Between Mann Balewadi
