Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Set to Roll Soon: Pune Commuters to Save Hours, Two-Hour Journey to Be Cut to 30 Minutes
Pune residents have reason to cheer as the long-awaited Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro corridor is likely to become operational by the end of March. The metro project, aimed at easing daily traffic congestion in Pune’s major IT hub Hinjewadi, has successfully completed two crucial trial runs, officials said.
Once operational, the metro is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Hinjewadi and the city, bringing down a two-hour commute to just about 30 minutes.
Double-Decker Bridge Steals the Spotlight
One of the standout features of the project is the unique double-decker bridge constructed at University Chowk. The design includes a road at ground level, a flyover above it, and the metro line running on the topmost level. This innovative structure is expected to significantly streamline traffic movement at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and is the first metro project in the country to follow this approach. The total project cost stands at approximately ₹8,313 crore, with financial support from both the central and state governments.
Relief for IT Employees and Companies
Hinjewadi’s Rajiv Gandhi IT Park houses over 800 companies and employs around 2.2 lakh professionals. Persistent traffic congestion had earlier prompted several companies to consider relocating outside the city. The metro is expected to bring much-needed relief and improve daily commuting for thousands of employees.
The 23.20-kilometre-long corridor will have 23 stations and will operate with 14 trainsets. Technical inspections and safety checks have been completed, and senior officials have carried out on-site reviews of the project.
Key Benefits of the Project
- Time savings: Travel time reduced from two hours to around 30 minutes
- Eco-friendly transport: Lower pollution levels and fewer road accidents
- Better connectivity: Direct link between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar to boost industrial and economic growth
With operations expected to begin soon, the Hinjewadi Metro is set to be a major game-changer for Pune’s traffic and urban mobility.
