PMRDA Fast-Tracks Pune Metro Line 3: Ground-Zero Inspections to Accelerate Construction
PUNE – In a decisive move to de-bottleneck the ambitious Manjri-Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 project, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has initiated high-level site inspections to resolve technical hurdles and streamline construction.
PMRDA Additional Commissioner K. Manjulakshmi led an “on-site” review across critical junctions of the corridor, signaling the administration’s intent to move into a high-gear execution phase. The inspection was aimed at removing long-standing site-specific obstacles that have hindered the pace of work.
Strategic Breakthroughs at Key Sites
The inspection tour resulted in several immediate directives aimed at clearing the path for structural work:
- PMR 21 (Ramp Clearance): Following a close assessment of the PMR 21 area, the Additional Commissioner issued immediate orders to clear the designated space for the metro ramp. This clearance is expected to trigger a surge in construction activity in this specific section.
- University Circle (Utility Management): Addressing a critical infrastructure conflict, urgent instructions were issued to rectify water leakage from a Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) pipeline near the Pashan Ramp. Resolving this utility issue is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the site and preventing further delays.
- PMR 15, Baner: Officials conducted a comprehensive audit of work quality and progress at the Baner site. The visit focused on ensuring that the metro ramp construction adheres to strict timelines and safety standards.
The project is being rolled out in phases. The first phase, covering 12 stations from Hinjewadi (Megapolis Circle) to Balewadi/Ramnagar, is scheduled to begin operations on June 15, 2026. The full 23-km corridor extending to Civil Court in Shivajinagar is expected to be fully operational by October 2026.
The initial launch will serve the critical IT corridor with 12 stations:
Megapolis Circle, Embassy Quadron, Dohler, Infosys Phase II, Wipro Phase II, Pall India, Shivaji Chowk (Hinjewadi), Courtyard by Marriott, Wakad Chowk, Balewadi Stadium, Orchid Hotel, and Ramnagar.
Yes. Line 3 (the “Pink Line”) will have a major interchange at Civil Court (Shivajinagar). This will allow passengers to seamlessly switch to Line 1 (Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate) and Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi), making it possible to travel from Hinjewadi to almost any part of the city via the metro network.
Once the full line is operational, the 23.3-km journey from Megapolis Circle to Civil Court is expected to take approximately 35–40 minutes. This is a significant improvement over the current road travel time, which can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes during peak rush hours.
Unlike Lines 1 and 2 (managed by Maha Metro), Line 3 is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project developed by the PMRDA in collaboration with Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (a consortium of Tata Realty and Siemens). The global operator Keolis has been contracted to manage the operations and maintenance for the first 10 years.
Focus on De-congestion
The PMRDA has reiterated its commitment to completing the project on a “war footing.” The Metro Line 3 project is viewed as a lifeline for Pune’s commuters, particularly those traveling to the Hinjewadi IT hub, who currently face grueling daily traffic congestion.
“The administration is focused on resolving all technical hurdles to complete the project on schedule,” stated PMRDA officials. By conducting these ground-zero reviews, the authority aims to ensure that the promise of a “Fast-Track Pune” is met with timely delivery.
