Pune, 25th July 2026: Long-awaited Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 has achieved a major milestone, with the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granting approval for passenger operations on the Man to R.K. Laxman Museum (Balewadi) section.
The approval clears the final regulatory hurdle for the first phase of the project, leaving only the formal inauguration by the Centre and Maharashtra government before services can begin.
The first operational stretch is part of the metro corridor connecting Hinjawadi IT Park with Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. It covers 12 stations along a 13-km elevated double-track corridor, where trains will operate at speeds of up to 80 kmph using a 750-volt DC third-rail traction system.
The CMRS conducted a comprehensive inspection of the corridor from July 5 to July 8 in the presence of officials from Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL). Following the inspection, a few modifications were recommended. The approval was granted after Tata Metro completed the required changes.
Before receiving the clearance, the project had successfully completed trial runs and secured all mandatory technical approvals, including Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) certification, electrical safety clearance, telecom licence, fire department no-objection certificates for all 12 stations, and certifications related to civil works, tracks, signalling, telecommunications and rolling stock.
With the safety certification now in place, the metro corridor is technically ready to carry passengers. The date for the inauguration and commercial launch will now be decided by the Centre and the Maharashtra government.
PITCMRL Chief Executive Officer Anil Kumar Saini said, "The CMRS approval is another significant milestone in our journey to bring Pune's modern metro system into service. It takes the project a decisive step closer to the commencement of passenger operations."
PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari said, "The safety clearance for the first phase of Pune Metro Line 3 is an important achievement for both PMRDA and the people of Pune. With this key milestone completed, we are committed to ensuring that passenger services begin at the earliest so citizens can benefit from this vital public transport corridor."
