Pune Metro Line 3 Status: Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Route Set for March 2026 Launch After Successful Trial Runs
The long-awaited dream of thousands of IT professionals and daily commuters in Pune is about to become a reality as the Pune Metro Line 3, connecting the tech hub of Hinjawadi to the central district of Shivajinagar, enters its final phase of completion.
With the successful completion of technical trial runs and the official inauguration date set for March 31, 2026, this 23.3 km elevated corridor, often referred to as the Puneri Metro, is poised to revolutionize the city’s urban transport landscape. As of mid-January 2026, the project has surpassed the 90% completion mark, with major structural work on the integrated double-decker flyover at University Chowk nearing its final wrap-up.
Pune Metro Line 3 Completion Status: The Final Countdown
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Tata-Siemens consortium (PITCMRL) have accelerated work to meet the strict March deadline. Following the successful trial run between Maan Depot and University Chowk on January 8, 2026, the project has cleared significant technical hurdles.
Key Milestones Achieved in January 2026:
- RDSO Safety Clearance: The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has completed its statutory inspections, certifying the safety and technical standards of the tracks and signaling systems.
- Rolling Stock Arrival: 14 out of the 22 Alstom Metropolis trainsets have arrived at the Maan Depot. These state-of-the-art coaches are currently undergoing rigorous testing for braking, power supply, and passenger safety.
- Integrated Flyover Progress: The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk double-decker flyover is 90% complete. While the Aundh-Shivajinagar stretch is already operational, the Baner and Pashan ramps are scheduled to open by late February 2026.
The Strategic Importance of the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro
Currently, the commute from Shivajinagar to Hinjawadi Phase 3 can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes during peak hours due to chronic congestion at University Chowk, Wakad, and Hinjawadi Shivaji Chowk. The Pune Metro Line 3 is designed to reduce this travel time to just 35–40 minutes.
Built on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, this “Pink Line” (also categorized as the Red Line in some planning documents) serves as a critical bridge between the residential clusters of Baner and Balewadi and the employment engine of the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park.
Pune Metro Line 3 Route Map and Station List
The 23.3 km corridor consists of 23 stations, all of which are elevated. The line begins at Megapolis Circle in Hinjawadi and terminates at the Civil Court Interchange, where it will meet MahaMetro’s Line 1 (Purple) and Line 2 (Aqua).
| Station No. | Station Name | Landmark / Connection |
| 1 | Megapolis Circle | Hinjawadi Phase 3 IT Hub |
| 4 | Infosys Phase II | Major IT Campus |
| 8 | Hinjawadi | Central Business District |
| 9 | Wakad Chowk | Commercial & Residential Hub |
| 10 | Balewadi Stadium | Sports Complex |
| 16 | Baner | Upscale Residential Area |
| 19 | University | SPPU Campus & Aundh Road |
| 22 | Shivaji Nagar | Interchange for Line 1 |
| 23 | Civil Court | Multi-modal Interchange |
University Chowk Double-Decker Flyover: A Multi-Level Solution
The most complex engineering feat of Line 3 is the 1.7 km integrated flyover at University Chowk. This structure features:
- Lower Level: Dedicated to vehicular traffic moving between Aundh, Baner, Pashan, and Shivajinagar.
- Upper Level: Carrying the Metro tracks for Line 3.
PMRDA officials have confirmed that the final asphalt work on the Shivajinagar-Baner stretch is complete. The opening of the Pashan-side ramp in February is expected to eliminate the bottleneck that has plagued this junction for over a decade.
Real Estate and Economic Impact
The nearing completion of Pune Metro Line 3 has already triggered a surge in real estate demand along the corridor. Property prices in Wakad, Balewadi, and Baner have seen a steady appreciation of 10-15% over the last year.
- Rental Demand: With the metro offering a reliable “park and ride” option, IT professionals are increasingly looking for rentals in Baner and Aundh, even if their offices are in Hinjawadi Phase 3.
- Commercial Growth: The “Transit-Oriented Development” (TOD) policy is expected to lead to new commercial high-rises near the 23 metro stations, further boosting the local economy.
Challenges and Local Concerns
While the project promises long-term relief, the final construction push has not been without friction. Residents in Shivajinagar (Gharpure Colony) recently reported 18-hour power outages caused by accidental damage to feeder cables during night-time Metro digging. PMRDA and MSEDCL have since established a coordination protocol to prevent such disruptions as the project enters its final 60 days of work.
Future Extensions: Beyond Shivajinagar
Looking past the March 2026 launch, the PMRDA is already preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for the extension of Line 3. These include:
- Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor: An 18 km extension to serve the eastern suburbs.
- Spur Lines: Potential connections toward Kondhwa and Hadapsar to integrate with Phase 2 of the Pune Metro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Pune Metro Line 3 be open to the public?
The entire Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 corridor is scheduled to be operational by March 31, 2026.
What are the ticket prices for Line 3?
Ticket fares are expected to follow the existing MahaMetro fare structure, ranging from ₹10 to ₹35 based on travel distance.
Will Line 3 connect with the existing Pune Metro lines?
Yes. Line 3 will provide interchange facilities at Shivaji Nagar and Civil Court, allowing transfers to the Purple Line (PCMC–Swargate) and Aqua Line (Vanaz–Ramwadi).
What is the frequency of trains on this route?
During peak hours, trains are expected to operate every 7 to 10 minutes, offering faster and more predictable travel for daily commuters.
Is the University Chowk flyover fully open?
As of January 2026, the Aundh–Shivajinagar stretch is open to traffic. The Baner ramp is expected to open by late January, while the Pashan ramp is likely to be completed by late February 2026.
1. When will Pune Metro Line 3 be open to the public?
The entire Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar corridor is scheduled to be operational by March 31, 2026.
2. What are the ticket prices for Line 3?
Fares are expected to align with the current MahaMetro structure, ranging from ₹10 to ₹35 depending on the distance.
3. Will Line 3 connect with the existing Pune Metro lines?
Yes. Line 3 will have major interchange stations at Shivaji Nagar and Civil Court, allowing passengers to switch to the Purple Line (PCMC-Swargate) and Aqua Line (Vanaz-Ramwadi).
4. What is the frequency of trains on this route?
During peak hours, trains are expected to run every 7 to 10 minutes, significantly reducing waiting times for IT commuters.
5. Is the University Chowk flyover fully open?
As of January 2026, the Aundh-Shivajinagar stretch is open. The Baner ramp is expected by late January, and the Pashan ramp by late February 2026.
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Vineet Gupta is the Founder and Managing Editor of PuneNow, where he oversees local news delivery and explores mindful living, parenting, and personal growth. An alumnus of the University of Wales, Vineet has travelled extensively and worked across hospitality, finance, and academia. Now based in Pune, his diverse global background informs his hyper-local perspective, helping the community find meaning, balance, and connection in everyday life.
