Pune Metro Expansion Gets ₹517 Crore Boost; Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Line To Launch In March
Pimpri-Chinchwad To Get Metro Boost As Nigdi–Chakan Corridor Planned In New DPR
Pune, February 3, 2026: Pune is set to witness a major upgrade in its public transport network, with the Union Budget allocating ₹517 crore for the expansion of the Pune Metro project. The funding announcement, made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is expected to accelerate metro connectivity across key corridors in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad over the next few years.
One of the most awaited developments is the launch of the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro line, which is scheduled to begin operations in March. Once operational, the metro is expected to drastically cut travel time between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar from nearly two hours to about 30 minutes, offering significant relief to daily commuters.
Metro authorities confirmed that trial runs on the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar route have been successfully completed under the supervision of Dr Yogesh Mhase, and preparations are underway for the formal inauguration. The new line will directly connect Shivajinagar with the Rajiv Gandhi IT Park in Hinjewadi, a corridor that witnesses heavy daily traffic due to the movement of more than 2.2 lakh IT professionals employed across nearly 800 companies.
To address chronic congestion along this route, a double-decker transport system is being developed at University Chowk. The multi-level structure will feature local vehicular traffic at the ground level, an elevated road above it, and the metro line at the top, aimed at easing bottlenecks in one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro corridor will have a total of 23 stations, supported by 14 trainsets. Commuters across the city have been eagerly awaiting the start of services on this route, which is expected to significantly improve daily travel experience.
Meanwhile, details of Pune Metro’s Phase-II expansion were also outlined in the budget. At present, two metro corridors are operational in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with a third line set to open for passengers soon. Work on the 4.5-km Pimpri–Nigdi extension is progressing steadily, with around 50 per cent of construction already completed. The project is expected to be finished by 2027.
Under Phase II, several new metro corridors have been proposed, including Khadakwasla–Swargate–Kharadi, Ramwadi–Wagholi–Vitthalwadi, Vanaz–Chandni Chowk, and Nal Stop–Warje. Once completed, the expanded metro network is expected to transform urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion across the Pune metropolitan region.
