Pune’s third metro corridor, connecting Hinjewadi IT Park to Shivajinagar, has achieved a key milestone with the successful trial run, reaching 87 percent construction completion, according to PMRDA officials. Safety checks and Schedule of Dimensions (SOD) verifications were completed, bringing the fully elevated 23.3 km Line 3 closer to a March 2026 launch and offering a promising green commuting alternative for IT professionals bound for Rajiv Gandhi InfoTech Park.
The trial, conducted earlier this week, covered the initial segment from Maan-Hinjewadi towards Shivajinagar. PMRDA authorities highlighted that interior system calibration and SOD compliance are essential for ensuring the integration of rolling stock and tunnel/viaduct geometry — a decisive step towards operational readiness that often determines passenger safety and system reliability. At 23.3 km in length with 23 elevated stations, Line 3 represents a transformative addition to Pune’s transportation ecosystem. It intersects with Lines 1 and 2, offering multi-modal connectivity and reducing travel times in heavily congested commuter zones. With over 100,000 daily commuters to the Hinjewadi IT Park alone, the new corridor would absorb significant road traffic.
The metro’s deployment of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology and a 750 V DC third-rail power delivery system enables rapid, safe, and energy-efficient operations. Four new Alstom trainsets — each comprising three air-conditioned coaches — have already been delivered and engaged in the trial . What distinguishes Line 3 is its public–private partnership model under the Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd (a collaboration between Tata and Siemens). This is India’s first metro project to adopt such a funding and operations approach, combining public oversight with market-driven delivery standards. Construction began in November 2021, and despite earlier land-acquisition delays, the corridor is now progressing swiftly.
City-level transport analysts see Pune’s Line 3 as a flagship model for urban transit reform. The fully elevated alignment minimises on-ground disruption, preserves the zero-net carbon vision, and supports equitable commuter access. Monthly electricity usage from regenerative braking and solar-powered stations further anchor the metro’s sustainability credentials. As PMRDA officials confirmed the 87 percent completion figure, technical teams finished system-wide tests including track geometry, signal redundancy, break testing, and emergency evacuation trials — all necessary for the final safety certification. Once regulators grant clearance, focus will shift to staffing, passenger training, ADA-compliant station facilities, and seamless interchanges.
Commuter groups and businesses along the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar corridor have welcomed the update. A spokesperson representing IT Park workers said the new line “promises a leap in reliability for daily commutes that are currently burdened by traffic snarls”. The metro is expected to reduce carbon emissions and ease pressure on congested roads — in line with Pune’s sustainable urban mobility goals. Yet, challenges remain. Procuring staff, integrating feeder e‑vehicles, and synchronising bus-metro schedules will determine whether demands translate into ridership growth. Observers suggest that transparency in project timelines and regular communication — especially around network extensions — is essential to maintain public confidence.
Experts emphasise that the trial run marks the beginning of a new operational phase — not the end. Detailed service trials during off-peak and peak hours, emergency simulations, and first-responder coordination will validate commuter readiness. Planned winter trials will test resilience under monsoon weather conditions, safeguarding service reliability in a climate-vulnerable region. From a broader city planning perspective, Line 3 could catalyse transit-oriented development along Pune’s NW–SE axis. Mixed-use hubs near stations may evoke inclusive growth, opening opportunities for small retailers, women-friendly environments, and equitable access for visually impaired and elderly commuters.
The deployment of a 750 V DC third rail also reduces visual clutter caused by overhead wires — enhancing urban aesthetics and supporting zero emission corridors. Digital signage and announcements at every station will incorporate inclusive design standards, ensuring gender-neutral commuter spaces. In time, Pune Metro Line 3 is set to redefine travel between Hinjewadi’s tech belt and Shivajinagar’s civic core. With 87 percent physical progress, internal systems approved, and trials well underway, the corridor could begin partial operations in late 2025, with full launch by March 2026.
Ultimately, the success of Line 3 hinges on a balance between safety-driven trial rigour and commuter-centred service design. The trial run milestone assures Puneisans that a modern, green, and equitable transit future is within reach — one that could shift daily routines, reduce vehicular pollution, and foster resilient urban development.
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