Pune Metro Line 3 To Be Operated By 100 Women Pilots
PUNE: The upcoming Metro Line 3 in Pune is set to rewrite India’s transport history by employing 100 women as loco pilots, making it the first metro corridor in the country to be operated entirely by women. The landmark initiative aims to break long-standing gender barriers in public transport while promoting inclusion in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
The 23-kilometre stretch will connect Shivajinagar with Hinjewadi, linking the city’s central business district to its rapidly expanding IT hub. Officials overseeing the project emphasised that the decision is more than a staffing choice; it is an attempt to reshape perceptions and inspire a new generation of women to pursue opportunities once deemed beyond reach.The operations are being managed under a 10-year contract between Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), a Tata-Siemens joint venture, and a global mobility operator. Once commissioned, the operator will oversee 22 trains, 23 stations, and ticketing systems, setting benchmarks for efficiency, safety, and inclusivity.
Recruitment and training for the 100 women pilots will begin shortly, with emphasis on workplace safety, accessible facilities, and structured support systems. Officials highlighted that around 1,000 jobs in total are expected to be generated through the operation and maintenance of Line 3, providing a broader boost to employment in Pune’s urban economy.Trial runs have already commenced, and commercial passenger services are expected to start by March 2026. The project is anticipated to ease daily commuting for more than 1.5 lakh professionals travelling to Hinjewadi, reduce traffic congestion on key arterial roads, and encourage a modal shift from private vehicles to eco-friendly public transport.
Observers note that beyond mobility, the initiative symbolises the evolution of Indian cities towards equitable, sustainable, and gender-neutral urban models. By placing women at the helm of an entire metro line, Pune is not only addressing the need for reliable transport but also reinforcing the importance of gender parity in building future-ready cities.The project also stands out as Pune’s first public-private partnership in metro development, under the supervision of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Industry experts point out that if successful, the experiment could serve as a template for other cities seeking to integrate inclusivity into large-scale infrastructure projects.
As Pune prepares for Line 3’s full rollout, the development is being viewed as both a transportation upgrade and a social statement. For commuters, it means shorter travel times and improved connectivity. For the nation, it signals that the path to sustainable and equitable growth lies in giving women equal roles in shaping the future of mobility.
