As the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro corridor moves closer to physical completion, commuters and urban mobility experts are sounding the alarm over the absence of last-mile connectivity infrastructure—raising fears that the city’s major transport investment may fall short of serving its purpose if critical support systems are not in place by the time the line opens in 2026.
Over 85 percent of Metro Line 3—connecting Shivajinagar to the bustling IT hub of Hinjawadi—has reportedly been completed. However, on-ground inspection and citizen feedback reveal that no significant work has begun on the all-important feeder systems. These include basic but essential components such as pedestrian walkways, footpaths, skywalks, underpasses, and public feeder bus services that would link residential and office zones to the nearest metro stations. This growing disconnect has sparked worry among thousands of information technology professionals working in Hinjawadi, one of India’s largest tech clusters. Their concern is simple but pressing: “Even if the metro is ready, how are we supposed to reach it?” Several daily commuters point to broken footpaths, pothole-ridden lanes, traffic bottlenecks, and illegal encroachments that already make daily travel exhausting and unsafe.
Urban infrastructure planners define ‘last-mile connectivity’ as the ease with which people can access a transport hub from their origin or destination. Without this, public transport systems struggle to attract regular ridership and risk becoming underutilised. Experts say the situation unfolding in Hinjawadi is a textbook case of poor integration between mass transit and urban access systems. Officials from the city’s civic bodies confirmed that plans for footpaths and a skywalk from the Infosys campus to the nearest metro station are on paper. However, no visible construction has commenced. A consultant is expected to be appointed to study access infrastructure requirements along the Metro Line 3 corridor, but that process is still in early stages.
Adding to the public scepticism is the fact that road conditions in Hinjawadi have continued to deteriorate. Monsoon rains typically exacerbate the issue, as potholes deepen and pavements become impassable. Despite promises of road repairs and footpath development under an agreement with the metro contractor, residents say little has changed on the ground. “We had hoped the metro would bring with it upgraded road infrastructure, but progress is invisible,” said an official from a local commuter advocacy group. Urban mobility analysts argue that neglecting last-mile solutions defeats the core objective of the metro—reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions by encouraging public transit over private vehicles. In areas like Hinjawadi, which already face chronic traffic due to an outdated road layout and overburdened junctions like Laxmi Chowk, the stakes are especially high. Poor access may simply push commuters back into private cars and two-wheelers, worsening the very congestion the metro aims to solve.
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has proposed road and flyover projects worth ₹650 crore to ease vehicular flow in and around Hinjawadi IT Park. Land acquisition for these projects has begun, and officials claim the groundwork will accelerate once environmental and regulatory approvals are cleared. Still, questions remain over whether these upgrades will align with the timeline of the metro launch or continue in parallel long after operations begin. Sustainable mobility experts warn that failing to implement pedestrian-friendly and accessible infrastructure before the metro becomes operational could have long-term consequences—not just in terms of lower ridership, but also in terms of public trust in government-led transit projects.
This misalignment reflects a broader urban planning challenge across Indian cities: large transport projects often advance without parallel investments in complementary infrastructure. For the Hinjawadi metro to realise its potential in supporting equitable, low-carbon urban growth, first and last-mile connectivity cannot be an afterthought. With Pune aspiring to be a smart and sustainable city, the urgency to close these gaps is critical. Authorities must prioritise integrated mobility solutions that enable residents to seamlessly switch from foot to feeder to metro—especially in dense employment clusters like Hinjawadi.
In the meantime, IT employees, urban planners, and civic observers are united in their call: ensure that when the metro begins, it is not only complete in structure but also truly accessible in spirit.
Also Read: Pune Metro Blamed Again for Monsoon Waterlogging
