Good News! Hinjewadi To Shivajinagar Metro Line 3, Moves Closer To Launch; Crosses Major Milestone of Technical Trial
Pune: Maha Metro Revises Bhakti Shakti Chowk - Chakan Corridor, Plans Six-Coach Trains
Technical testing between Maan Depot and University Chowk marks a major milestone; passenger services targeted by March 31, 2026
Pune’s long-awaited Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, has crossed a crucial milestone after a successful technical trial run conducted on Thursday morning. The test, carried out between Maan Depot and Pune University Chowk at 8 am, has brought the city one step closer to the launch of passenger services on this important IT corridor.
The project is especially significant for thousands of employees working in the Hinjewadi IT hub who face daily traffic congestion on routes like Ganeshkhind Road and University Chowk. Once operational, Metro Line 3 is expected to drastically reduce travel time and provide a fast, reliable alternative to road transport.
Officials described the trial as a major breakthrough in the journey of the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro project. During the run, multiple safety and technical parameters were closely monitored. These included track alignment, power supply systems, braking performance, stability of coaches, and the metro’s speed behaviour on curves. Experts confirmed that vibrations and movements at higher speeds remained well within permissible safety limits.
This latest test follows earlier trial runs conducted between Maan Depot and Pune University in July 2025, and between Maan Depot and Balewadi Sports Complex in August 2025. A test carried out earlier this week had identified minor technical issues, which were quickly resolved with the assistance of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation. After rectification, the line was cleared for this more comprehensive inspection.
The metro corridor, stretching about 23.3 kilometres, is being developed on an elevated route. It is being implemented through a Public Private Partnership model by PMRDA, Tata Group, and Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited. The project is designed to permanently ease congestion on one of Pune’s busiest commuting belts and improve connectivity between the city centre and the IT hub.
According to project authorities, work on station buildings, platforms, access roads, and essential passenger facilities is in its final phase. Most of the infrastructure along the main line, including bridges and tracks, has already been completed. The focus is now on finishing station-level amenities such as escalators, waiting areas, and parking facilities.
A total of 23 stations are planned on this route. Of these, 11 stations still require completion of key facilities. While the tracks are ready, essential passenger services infrastructure at some locations is pending. To avoid further delays, the administration is considering the possibility of beginning operations with selected stations, while work continues at the remaining ones.
The metro authority has already received more than 10 train sets for the project, and a total of 22 train sets will soon be available. Trial runs at different speeds have also been completed successfully, indicating that the rolling stock is ready for commercial operation once final safety approvals are granted.
Initially, the deadline for launching Metro Line 3 was set for December 2025. However, with around nine percent of the work still incomplete, the timeline had to be extended. The project deadline has now been officially revised by 543 days, fixing March 31, 2026, as the new target date for passenger services.
PMRDA Official has stated that the project is now in its closing stages and that the goal is to make most stations operational by the end of March. He added that the recent trial run confirms the system’s readiness from a technical and safety standpoint.
For Punekars, particularly IT professionals commuting daily to Hinjewadi, this development brings renewed hope. The metro is expected to transform daily travel, reduce dependence on private vehicles, cut fuel costs, and significantly lower stress caused by traffic jams.
As Pune continues to expand rapidly, Metro Line 3 is seen as a backbone for sustainable urban mobility. With successful trials now completed, the city is closer than ever to witnessing high-speed metro connectivity between its busiest business hub and the heart of the city.
