Pune Metro Line 3 is a 23-kilometre elevated corridor with 23 stations, designed to link Shivajinagar in central Pune to the bustling Hinjawadi IT park. The project is being executed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with Tata Realty-Siemens as the main concessionaire.
Despite 83-85% of the construction being completed, several critical components remain unfinished. Most notably, the integrated flyover at University Chowk-a key junction for the metro line-still requires significant work, including ramps and deck slabs.
Several factors have contributed to the repeated postponements:
Land Acquisition Issues: The last crucial land parcel at Raj Bhavan was only recently handed over, causing cascading delays in station and flyover construction.
Utility Relocation: Shifting of utilities such as water pipelines, electricity, and telecom lines has taken longer than anticipated, further slowing progress.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Multiple permissions and coordination between agencies have led to bottlenecks at various stages.
Construction Challenges: Heavy traffic along the corridor, especially near University Chowk, has hampered the pace of civil works.
University Chowk Flyover: Still under construction, with ramps and deck slabs pending.
Station Infrastructure: Work at several stations, including Baner, Sakalnagar, and Civil Court, is ongoing, with escalators, electrical systems, and amenities nearing completion.
Trial Runs: Full-scale trial runs for metro coaches can only begin after the completion of the flyover and other major works. These trial operations are expected to take at least two to two-and-a-half months, pushing the start of passenger services into early 2026.
The delay has caused frustration among daily commuters and residents along the corridor, who continue to face traffic congestion and disruptions due to ongoing construction. Local civic groups have criticized the authorities for the lack of timely execution, citing reduced accessibility and increased travel times as major concerns.
The concessionaire has sought an extension until December 2025 to finish remaining civil works, with operations now realistically expected by March 2026. Once operational, Metro Line 3 is expected to significantly improve public transport connectivity between Pune’s core city areas and Hinjawadi, easing road traffic and reducing commute times.
