Pune Metro Line 3 Prepares for Trial Runs, Set to Enhance Mobility
PMC fines Pune Metro over unauthorized excavation on Satara Road
The integration of Metro Line 3 with existing lines 1 and 2 at Shivajinagar will enhance connectivity across the city, fostering easier mobility for residents and visitors alike.
21 May 2024
By Payoshi Bisht
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is gearing up for a significant milestone in the completion of Metro Line 3, with the impending arrival of three coaches expected by the end of this month. These coaches, a crucial component of the metro project connecting Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, will undergo rigorous testing and trials upon arrival to ensure their readiness for public use.
Umesh Mallawat, executive engineer of the PMRDA, affirmed, “At present, we have completed 55% of the work on Metro Line 3. The first lot of three coaches is anticipated to arrive in Pune next month. Upon arrival, we will conduct thorough checks at the metro depot to confirm their operational efficiency and safety.”
The construction of these coaches was finalised in Chennai, where they underwent meticulous inspection last month. Expected to reach Pune within the next 15 days, they will undergo further evaluation at the metro depot before proceeding to the trial run phase.
Mallawat emphasised the importance of ensuring operational efficiency and safety standards before advancing to the next stage of the project. Once the evaluations are complete, the PMRDA plans to commence trial runs, marking a crucial step towards the eventual launch of Metro Line 3. Spanning 23.5 kilometres and featuring 23 stations, including key areas such as Hinjawadi, MegaPolis and Shivajinagar Court, the new transit route aims to provide seamless and efficient transportation options to commuters, significantly reducing travel time between these destinations.
The PMRDA is undertaking the Metro Line 3 project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the Tata Group and Siemens forming a special purpose vehicle (SPV), Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, to execute the project. A dedicated depot spanning 55 acres of MIDC land in Hinjawadi has been established to support maintenance and operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of metro services.
In April, workers initiated the launch of 8.5-metre-wide segments for the construction of a double-decker viaduct on Metro Line 3 along Ganesh Khind Road towards Pune University. This viaduct, stretching 1.6 kilometres, will connect Aundh Road and RBI Chowk, further advancing the project’s progress.
To facilitate the construction of additional pillars and expedite the launch of girders for Metro Line 3, significant traffic route alterations have been enforced since 4th May. These changes aim to alleviate congestion in key areas surrounding Veer Chaphekar Chowk and Shimla Office, streamlining traffic flow during the construction phase.
