Pune: PMRDA to Launch 13-km Metro Line 3 Stretch from Megapolis to Balewadi Phata by September to Ease Hinjewadi Congestion
Pune: To address mounting traffic congestion and growing criticism from citizens, activists, and opposition leaders, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) plans to open a key 13-kilometre stretch of Metro Line 3 by September this year.
Officials said this stretch will run from Megapolis Circle to Balewadi Phata, forming part of the larger 23.3-km elevated corridor connecting Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar. The metro project, which started in November 2021, is being built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model by PMRDA and Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd — a consortium led by Tata Group and Siemens.
The metro is being developed in two phases. In the first phase, a 14-km section from Maan to Balewadi Phata is expected to undergo trial runs and partial operations later this year. Officials added that the entire corridor, including 23 stations, is targeted for completion by March 2026.
“On average, metro construction in India takes 8 to 14 months per kilometre. For a 23-km line, it typically takes over four years. PMRDA’s pace is significantly ahead of this benchmark,” a senior PMRDA Metro official said.
A milestone was achieved on Friday with the first trial run conducted on the actual line, beyond the depot. “This marks a major step forward,” said PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase. “We plan to start service between Maan and Balewadi Phata by September. Major construction, including work on 13 stations, is nearly complete — we’re currently focusing on staircases and finishing touches.”
While full completion is scheduled by March 2026, PMRDA aims to open completed stretches earlier to help decongest key areas like Hinjewadi and provide relief to commuters.
