Pune Metro Line 3 Launch: CM Fadnavis Sets Final March 2026 Deadline for Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Route
The long wait for thousands of IT professionals in Pune is nearing its end as the Maharashtra government fast-tracks the final leg of the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3, popularly known as the “Puneri Metro” Red Line.
Strict Directives from Chief Minister Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a clear directive to the implementing agency, Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd (PITCMRL), to ensure the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 start date does not slide past March 31, 2026. During a recent review meeting, the CM emphasized that no further extensions would be granted, citing the immense traffic pressure on Pune’s IT corridor. While the original goal was to launch by December 2025, minor pending works have pushed the final commissioning to the first quarter of 2026.
Current Progress and Trial Run Status
The Pune Metro Line 3 latest news confirms that approximately 91% of the total project is complete. A significant milestone was achieved recently as trial runs, which initially focused on the Maan Depot to Balewadi stretch, were extended further toward Baner. These tests are critical for validating the signalling and train control systems of the Alstom-made three-coach train sets.
- Total Route Length: 23.3 km (fully elevated)
- Stations Ready: 12 out of 23 stations are nearing full completion.
- Ongoing Work: 11 stations are currently seeing finishing touches, including the installation of escalators, parking facilities, and skywalks.
Hinjewadi Metro Station List and Connectivity
The Hinjewadi metro station list includes 23 strategic locations designed to serve the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park. Key stations such as Megapolis Circle, Quadron, Infosys Phase II, and Wipro Phase II will provide direct access to major IT campuses.
A vital feature of this line is the Civil Court interchange station, where a skywalk will connect the Red Line with the already operational Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) and Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi). This integration is expected to drastically reduce the Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar Metro travel time, which currently takes over 90 minutes during peak hours by road.
IT Sector Demands and Phased Launch Possibility
Due to worsening traffic on Ganeshkhind Road and Hinjawadi Phase 1, various IT forums have requested a partial opening of the Hinjawadi-Baner stretch. However, PMRDA officials have indicated that the project is being tested for a single-phase launch to ensure seamless technical integration across the entire 23.3 km corridor.
As the PMRDA Metro Line 3 deadline March 2026 approaches, the focus remains on completing the remaining 9% of work, particularly the double-decker flyover at University Chowk, which is integral to the route’s success.
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