Pune Metro Line 3 On Track For March 31 Launch; Trial Run Conducted Till University Junction
Pune, January 08, 2026: In a major leap toward de-clogging the city’s infamous IT corridor traffic, the Pune Metro Line 3 (Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar) project successfully conducted a crucial technical trial run early Thursday morning. The test train, which departed at 8:00 AM from Maan Depot, smoothly navigated the elevated stretch up to Pune University Chowk (SPPU), marking a definitive milestone for the 23.3 km corridor.
This successful run comes just days after the project received mandatory safety and technical clearances from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). With the integration of the double-decker flyover at University Chowk nearing completion, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has officially reinforced the March 31, 2026, deadline for a full-scale commercial launch.
Successful Trial Run: From Maan Depot to University Chowk
The Thursday morning trial was designed to test the synchronization of the 750V DC third-rail electrification and the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system. Traveling at regulated speeds, the three-coach Alstom trainset validated the track geometry and structural stability across key stations.
An X user shared the sighting of the trial run of Pune Metro 3 in Baner near Ugaoo store.
#Pune #punemetro Finally Metro Enters Baner , Spotted near Ugaoo Store in Baner pic.twitter.com/MlV5ZhKHhZ
— Abhishek Raut (@abhiraut) January 8, 2026
According to senior PMRDA officials, the trial proves that the “backbone” of the Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar Metro is now technically operational. The stretch between Maan Depot and Balewadi had already undergone multiple tests, but extending the run to the University area is a critical step in connecting the IT suburbs to the city’s central business district.
RDSO Safety Clearance and Final Readiness
Earlier this week, on January 5, the RDSO concluded a rigorous inspection of the “Pink Line.” The certification covers:
- Train Stability: Performance at high speeds and on sharp curves.
- Braking Systems: Emergency braking efficacy and response times.
- Passenger Safety: Dimensions of the coaches and platform-to-train gap analysis.
The project has now entered the “Final Readiness” phase. Currently, 14 out of the 22 planned train sets have arrived from Alstom’s manufacturing facility. The remaining rakes are expected to be delivered in batches before the end of February.
Pune Metro Line 3: Key Project Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Total Length | 23.3 km (Completely Elevated) |
| Total Stations | 23 |
| Developer | PMRDA & Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd (Tata-Siemens) |
| Technology | 750V DC Third Rail (First in Pune) |
| Target Launch | March 31, 2026 |
Infrastructure Status: The SPPU Double-Decker Flyover
A major highlight of the Pune Metro Line 3 is the integrated double-decker flyover at Pune University Chowk. This massive structure, which accommodates general vehicular traffic on the lower tier and the metro on the upper tier, is reported to be over 92% complete.
While the metro tracks are already laid, finishing work on the ramps at Baner and Pashan is being expedited. The completion of this junction is vital for the March 31 Metro launch, as it serves as the primary gateway for commuters traveling from Shivajinagar toward the Hinjawadi IT Park.
Impact on Hinjewadi IT Hub and City Connectivity
Once operational, the Puneri Metro is expected to slash travel time between Shivajinagar and Hinjawadi from the current 60–90 minutes to just under 35 minutes. At the Civil Court interchange, passengers will be able to switch to the existing MahaMetro (Purple and Aqua) lines via a skywalk, providing seamless connectivity to Swargate, PCMC, and Ramwadi.
Although IT industry bodies like the Forum for IT Employees (FITE) have pushed for a phased opening of the Hinjawadi–Baner stretch, the PMRDA remains committed to launching the entire 23.3 km corridor at once.
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