Pune Metro Line 3: Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Phase 1 Set for May 2026 Launch; 12 Stations to Open
Pune, March 26, 2026: The long-awaited relief for Pune’s commuters, particularly those navigating the congested IT corridors, is just around the corner. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) announced today that Pune Metro Line 3, connecting the Maan-Hinjewadi IT Park to Shivajinagar, has entered its final phase of development.
With approximately 94.20% of the project work now complete, the PMRDA has set an ambitious target to open the first phase, consisting of 12 key stations, to the public by May 2026.
A Milestone in Urban Mobility
This 23-kilometer elevated corridor is a landmark project, distinguishing itself as the first metro line in India to be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Designed to bridge the gap between the city’s central business district and its premier IT hub, the “Puneri Metro” aims to transform the daily grind of thousands of professionals into a seamless commute.
Key technical milestones have already been cleared to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency:
- Technical Testing: Signaling system trials are successfully underway.
- Safety Clearances: Inspections by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) are in their advanced stages.
🚆 पुणे मेट्रो लाईन-३ लवकरच आपल्या सेवेत! 🔥
— PMRDA (@OfficialPMRDA) March 26, 2026
🚇 माण-हिंजवडी आयटी पार्क ते शिवाजीनगर…
पुणेकरांच्या दैनंदिन प्रवासाला मिळणार वेग, सोय आणि आधुनिकतेची जोड!
🏁 ‘मेट्रो लाईन ३’ चे काम अंतिम टप्प्यात असून, महानगराच्या वाहतूक व्यवस्थेत मोठा बदल घडवण्यास सज्ज आहे. आयटी हब हिंजवडीपासून… pic.twitter.com/b37zt4hLUM
Which 12 Stations Will Open in Pune Metro Line 3 Phase 1?
While the official list of the first 12 operational stations is yet to be finalized by PMRDA, the initial phase is expected to prioritize the high-demand stretch starting from the Maan and Hinjewadi IT Park side.
The primary focus for this first phase is to provide crucial connectivity through the Balewadi and Baner corridors, extending up to Pune University. To meet the May 2026 launch deadline, the service will focus on stations where civil and technical work is fully completed.
It is important for commuters to note:
- Non-Sequential Opening: The 12 stations may not necessarily open in a continuous sequence.
- Skip-Stop Operations: The metro may bypass certain intermediate stations that are still under construction; trains will not stop at these locations until the next phase.
- Pending Official List: This operational plan is subject to final technical clearances and safety audits.
We will provide a detailed update with the finalized list of stations as soon as the official notification is released by the authorities.
Reducing Travel Time from Hours to Minutes
Currently, the stretch between Shivajinagar and Hinjewadi is notorious for heavy traffic congestion, often taking commuters over an hour during peak times. Once operational, the metro will reduce this journey to just a few minutes, offering a fast, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to road transport.
The PMRDA stated that the project is not just a transport upgrade but a “new chapter” in Pune’s infrastructure, focusing on modern amenities and sustainable urban growth. As the city edges closer to the May 2026 deadline, the integration of these 12 stations is expected to significantly de-clutter the roads of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune city.
