Pune: Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi Metro Gets Delayed Further; Unlikely to Start Before 2026
In a major disappointment for Punekars, the much-awaited Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi Metro Line – also known as Puneri Metro – is unlikely to become operational before next year.
According to a report, senior officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have confirmed that the Metro Line 3 project, which was earlier scheduled to be completed by September 2025, has now sought an extension until December 2025. Trial runs for metro coaches are expected to begin only after December, further delaying the launch. As trial runs typically take at least two months, full operations may not begin before early 2026.
The 23.203 km-long Metro Line 3, connecting Shivajinagar to Hinjawadi, is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and was approved by the government on February 9, 2018. Despite delays, officials maintain that 90% of the project work has been completed, as discussed in a recent meeting chaired by PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase concerning the Hinjawadi Industrial Area’s development.
In a key development last month, all the required land for the metro line—from Maan-Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar—was made available. This included the transfer of 263.78 sq. m. of land near the Raj Bhavan office in the Pune University area, completing the land acquisition process that began with a proposal in November 2022.
While the delay in full operations is discouraging, there is a silver lining for daily commuters. PMRDA and Maha Metro are currently in discussions to construct a foot overbridge (FOB) that will connect the Civil Court and Shivajinagar Metro stations, enhancing last-mile connectivity once services commence.
