Pune, 3rd July 2026: Pune is set to enter a select group of Indian cities operating metro services using a 750-volt DC third-rail electrification system as Metro Line 3 moves closer to commercial operations.

The 23-km fully elevated Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar corridor will be the first in the city to adopt this globally preferred technology, which is already used in metro systems such as Kolkata and Bengaluru for its efficiency, reliability and suitability for high-frequency urban transport.

Unlike conventional overhead electrification, the third-rail system supplies power through an additional conductor rail installed alongside the tracks. Trains collect electricity using collector shoes mounted beneath them, eliminating the need for overhead wires and support structures.

This results in lower maintenance requirements, fewer service disruptions and a cleaner city skyline while supporting frequent metro operations.

Along with third-rail electrification, Metro Line 3 will operate using Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), an advanced digital signalling system that continuously monitors the position and speed of trains in real time.

The technology allows trains to run at shorter intervals without compromising safety, enabling higher passenger capacity, reliable schedules and smoother journeys. It is also designed to support future automation upgrades.

The corridor will connect Hinjawadi's Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park with major residential and commercial areas, including Wakad, Baner, Balewadi, University Circle and Shivajinagar, significantly improving connectivity between Pune's IT hub and the city centre.

Puneri Metro has successfully completed end-to-end trial runs across the entire 23-km corridor and has entered the final stage before commercial operations. The line will be commissioned after receiving statutory and regulatory approvals.

In the first phase, services will begin on the 13.3-km stretch between Maan and R. K. Laxman Museum, covering 12 stations. The remaining section up to District Court will be opened later, enabling seamless integration with the existing Maha Metro network.

Once the full corridor becomes operational, commuters will be able to travel between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar in around 45 minutes, compared to the current travel time of nearly one and a half hours.

The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity across western Pune and provide a faster, safer and more dependable public transport option for thousands of daily commuters.