Pune Metro Line 3 Gets RDSO Safety Clearance: March 2026 Launch of Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Likely
In a major boost for Pune’s commuters, the Maan–Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar, Pune Metro Line 3, has successfully cleared its mandatory safety and technical inspection by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
The clearance, confirmed in early January 2026, marks the most significant milestone to date for the 23.3 km elevated corridor. As the statutory certification from the RDSO is a prerequisite for any passenger rail service in India, the “Puneri Metro” (Pink Line) has now officially entered its final countdown toward commercial operations.
RDSO Inspection: Ensuring High-Speed Safety and Stability
The rigorous inspection by the RDSO, a wing of Indian Railways, covered a broad spectrum of technical parameters. This included the validation of track geometry, the 750V DC Third Rail power supply system, and the performance of the Alstom Metropolis trainsets.
Key tests focused on emergency braking mechanisms and coach stability at varying speeds, particularly on sharp curves along the elevated viaduct. Officials noted that vibrations and movements remained well within permissible safety limits, allowing for the green signal to proceed toward the final commissioning phase.
Rolling Stock and Infrastructure: 14 Rakes Already at Maan Depot
The project, being developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis by the Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), a consortium of Tata Realty and Siemens, is making rapid progress on the equipment front.
- Train Delivery: Out of the 22 planned three-coach rakes, 14 trainsets have already arrived at the Maan depot.
- Capacity: Each air-conditioned rake is designed to carry approximately 1,000 passengers, significantly easing the pressure on Pune’s road network.
- Civil Works: Construction at most of the 23 stations is nearly 95% complete, with final interior finishing and electrical installations currently underway.
March 31, 2026: The Target Opening Date
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has maintained its focus on a March 31, 2026 deadline for the commencement of operations. While there were earlier discussions regarding a partial opening of the Hinjawadi-Baner stretch, current indications suggest a consolidated launch to ensure seamless connectivity between the IT hub and the city center.
Integration with SPPU Double-Decker Flyover
Parallel to the Metro progress, the integrated double-decker flyover at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk is also nearing completion. The Baner-side ramp is expected to open by late January, followed by the Pashan-side ramp in February 2026. This combined infrastructure is expected to cut travel time between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar from nearly 60–90 minutes to just under 35 minutes.
Strategic Impact: Beyond Commuting to Sustainable Urban Growth
Urban planners and transport analysts view the completion of this safety milestone as a decisive step toward corrective urban growth. For years, Western Pune has grappled with road-led expansion, resulting in heavy congestion and a high dependency on private vehicles.
The Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar alignment is designed to reshape this dynamic by:
- Decarbonizing the IT Corridor: By providing a high-capacity alternative to thousands of daily cars and bikes, the “Pink Line” directly supports Pune’s push toward low-carbon mobility and climate resilience.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Real estate consultants anticipate a shift in land-use patterns, with increased demand for mixed-use developments around stations, encouraging walkable, denser neighborhoods rather than outward urban sprawl.
- Economic Synergy: By linking the historic city core with the global technology hubs of Hinjawadi, the corridor ensures that the benefits of Pune’s economic growth are more equitably shared across the metropolitan region.
Connectivity and Interchange at Civil Court
One of the most anticipated features of Pune Metro Line 3 is its integration with the existing MahaMetro network. Commuters will be able to transition to Line 1 (PCMC-Swargate) and Line 2 (Vanaz-Ramwadi) via a skywalk at the Civil Court interchange station, creating a unified transit system for the entire Pune Metropolitan Region.
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