Pune Metro Line III Completion Likely Delayed to September 2025
The completion of Pune Metro Line III, a crucial project connecting Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, is expected to be delayed until September 2025, according to Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) officials. This delay comes after the concessionaire requested an extension from the initial target of March 2025. With major components such as the integrated flyover between University Chowk and the E-Square junction, the delay is largely attributed to ongoing construction challenges and extensive traffic congestion along the project route.
The 23-kilometre corridor has achieved a 74% completion rate overall, but the integrated flyover, a key element for the Metro’s functioning, stands at only 65% completion. This crucial flyover component, particularly the ramp and deck slabs, are still under construction. Permits for several stretches, including the installation of steel girders at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk, have been delayed, primarily due to traffic concerns in busy areas during election periods and Diwali. The delay has raised concerns among the local population, who are already facing heavy traffic disruptions due to construction work. PMRDA officials have highlighted that despite continuous review meetings and the deployment of additional manpower, traffic congestion and the need for numerous clearances have considerably slowed down progress. Furthermore, traffic diversions and road-widening projects, though planned, have not sufficiently alleviated the situation. Civilians in the city have expressed frustration over the continued delays, which are exacerbating the already existing traffic problems on key arterial roads.
A significant challenge in completing the Metro project has been the need for multiple clearances and permissions for construction activities, such as shifting utilities and obtaining right-of-way approvals. These procedural delays have been compounded by the need to manage road widening and remove utility poles along the University Chowk stretch, further extending the timeline.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also chairs the PMRDA, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is set to review the revised timeline. The government has previously emphasised the urgency of accelerating the work, especially ahead of the assembly elections, and directed the concessionaire to speed up construction. The updated timeline for the completion of the 1.7-km flyover, a critical component for Metro operations, is now set for April 2025. Without this, operations cannot commence. In the meantime, Metro stations between Maan and Balewadi High Street are expected to be operational by April, providing some relief to commuters. However, the major hurdles lie in the University Chowk stretch, which is still in the process of road widening and utility removal. Despite the delays, the Centre has continued to support the project. Recently, the government cleared an additional Rs 200 crore in viability gap funding, bringing the total released amount to Rs 600 crore out of the Rs 1,200 crore initially committed for the project. The Pune Metro Line III is seen as a major step in reducing the city’s traffic woes and improving public transportation. However, as construction continues, the focus remains on overcoming the logistical and infrastructural challenges that have led to the current delays.
