Pune’s public transport network is set for a major expansion after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 23-kilometre Metro Line 3, connecting the Hinjawadi IT hub with Shivajinagar, and laid the foundation stone for four additional metro corridors under Phase II.
The combined investment in the inaugurated line and the new Phase II corridors is estimated at approximately ₹21,800 crore.
Pink Line to connect Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar
Built at a cost of more than ₹8,300 crore, Metro Line 3 connects Maan in Hinjawadi with the District Court station in Shivajinagar. The elevated corridor has 23 stations and is expected to improve connectivity between Pune’s major IT employment centre and central parts of the city.
Passenger services are scheduled to begin on November 4, initially at 17 stations. The remaining stations are expected to open in phases.
The new corridor is expected to benefit IT professionals, students and other daily commuters travelling between Hinjawadi and central Pune. It will also connect with the existing metro network at District Court, allowing passengers to transfer to other routes.
Four additional corridors planned under Phase II
Alongside the inauguration, the foundation stone was laid for four new corridors under Pune Metro Phase II. The proposed corridors are estimated to cost around ₹13,500 crore.
The planned routes include Line 2A from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk, Line 2B from Ramwadi to Vitthalwadi, Line 4 from Kharadi to Khadakwasla, and Line 4A from Nal Stop to Manik Baug.
Together, these routes are intended to extend metro connectivity towards important residential, commercial and employment areas, including Kharadi, Wagholi, Magarpatta, Hadapsar, Swargate, Warje and Nanded City.
Women-led operations and solar power
Metro Line 3 has been designed with a focus on gender inclusion and energy efficiency. The line is planned to be operated by women train operators, while around 30 per cent of its electricity requirements are expected to be met through solar power.
The project was developed under a public-private partnership model involving the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and private-sector partners.
What the expansion means for Pune
Pune’s growing population, expanding IT sector and increasing traffic volumes have placed greater demands on the city’s transport infrastructure. The new metro line is expected to offer commuters another option for travelling between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar, while the proposed Phase II corridors aim to improve access across several developing parts of the metropolitan region.
The impact will depend on reliable services, convenient interchange facilities, integration with other public transport and the timely completion of the proposed corridors.
With the inauguration of Line 3 and the launch of Phase II works, Pune has taken another step towards building a more extensive urban metro network.
