Will Pune Metro Line 3 Meet the March 31 Deadline? PMRDA Remains Confident Amid Resident Skepticism
PUNE: As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Pune Metro Line 3, a cloud of uncertainty looms over its ambitious March 31, 2026, deadline. While the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) insists the project is on track, residents and civic observers are questioning if the “Puneri” dream of a traffic-free commute to Hinjawadi is truly just 54 days away.
The 23.3 km elevated corridor, connecting the Shivajinagar District Court to the Hinjawadi IT Park, is viewed as a critical solution to the soul-crushing traffic congestion in Pune’s IT belt, including Wakad, Balewadi, and Baner.
The Race Against Time
Last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a direct mandate to the PMRDA to ensure the project meets its schedule. Despite this high-level push, social media is abuzz with skepticism. Vigilant citizens who have inspected the route claim that while the “93% complete” tag looks good on paper, the ground reality tells a different story.
A significant milestone was achieved on January 8, 2026, with a successful technical trial run on a 19 km stretch between Maan Depot and University Chowk. However, of the 23 planned stations, only about 12 to 15 are nearing completion. The stations toward the Shivajinagar end still require extensive interior fit-outs and safety installations.
‘The Project Is On Schedule’: PMRDA Chief
Despite the mounting pressure, the authorities remain optimistic. As reported by The Free Press Journal, PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase maintained that the project is moving according to the planned timeline.
“The Pune Metro Line 3 project connecting Shivajinagar and Hinjawadi will go as scheduled,” Dr. Mhase told The FPJ. “As of now, the work is going on according to the schedule, and we aim to meet the deadline. We are positive that the project will be executed by the end of the March 2026 deadline.”
The Hurdles: Safety Audits and Structural Integrity
Netizens and transport experts have pointed out several bottlenecks that could derail a March launch:
- The CMRS Factor: Following technical trials, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) must conduct rigorous audits. Historically, this process takes 2–3 months. With full trials only gaining momentum in early February, a March 31 green light appears “too optimistic” to many.
- University Chowk Flyover: The structural integrity of the metro line is closely linked to the double-decker flyover at University Chowk, where work on the Baner and Pashan arms is still undergoing final touches.
- Phased Commissioning vs. PPP Model: To meet the deadline, officials are considering “phased commissioning”—opening the line with only major stations operational, similar to the Pimpri-Swargate route. However, since this is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) involving the Tata Group and Siemens, stakeholders may be hesitant to launch a partial service that could impact revenue models.
Project at a Glance
- Route: Hinjewadi Megapolis Circle to Civil Court (Shivajinagar)
- Technology: 750V DC third rail (no overhead wires)
- Rolling Stock: Alstom Metropolis trains (14 of 22 sets have arrived)
- Current Status: Decisive phase; 90-93% civil work complete.
As February progresses, all eyes are on the Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi corridor. Whether the first commuters will board on April 1st or if the deadline will shift yet again remains to be seen.
