Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro: Deadline Extended to Sept 2025 Due to Traffic and Clearance Delays

Pune: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are set to review the revised timeline for the completion of the third Metro line, spanning from Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar. The concessionaire executing the project has requested an extension until September 2025, instead of the earlier deadline of March 2025, sources at the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) told The Times of India.

Project Status and Challenges

The 23-km Metro corridor has achieved 74% overall completion, while the critical integrated flyover segment, stretching from University Chowk to the E-Square junction, is 65% complete. Initially targeted for completion in December 2023, the flyover’s timeline has been pushed to March 2024, with full completion expected by April 2025.

“Construction of ramp and deck slabs is still pending, and certain permissions for specific stretches are yet to be obtained,” a PMRDA source stated. “The integrated flyover is a vital component, and Metro operations cannot begin without its completion.”

Political Review and Acceleration Directives

As chairman of PMRDA, Fadnavis will preside over the review, while Pawar is expected to focus on ensuring adherence to the new timelines. Earlier this year, Pawar directed the concessionaire to expedite work, particularly with assembly elections approaching. He also emphasized round-the-clock construction and quicker approvals for traffic diversions.

Key Hurdles in Construction

Heavy traffic along the route and delays in obtaining clearances have been significant obstacles. The deployment of additional manpower has helped expedite work, but challenges remain, including:

Right-of-way clearances

Shifting utilities

Installation of steel girders at Savitribai Phule Pune University Chowk, delayed due to traffic congestion concerns during elections and Diwali.

A PMRDA official commented, “This arterial road experiences heavy traffic and VIP movement, especially during the election period, which hampered continuous work.” Proposed traffic diversions provided minimal relief, further complicating progress.

Upcoming Milestones

While Metro stations between Maan and Balewadi High Street are expected to be operational by April 2024, significant challenges remain for the University Chowk stretch, requiring road widening and removal of electricity poles.

The government had previously instructed Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited to prioritize completing the flyover segment between SPPU and E-Square by November 2023. Efforts to expedite permissions for traffic diversions and road widening are ongoing to reduce commuter inconvenience.

Financial Support

The Centre recently approved an additional ₹200 crore under viability gap funding for the project, bringing the total released amount to ₹600 crore out of the ₹1,200 crore commitment.

Fadnavis and Pawar’s review meeting will likely focus on addressing delays and ensuring timely completion of this crucial infrastructure project.