Pune, 29th July 2026: The long-awaited and delayed Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi Metro has reached a major milestone, with the first phase now fully prepared for passenger operations.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) have informed the Maharashtra government that all technical and operational preparations have been completed. The state government is now expected to announce the inauguration date.
The metro is expected to provide significant relief to commuters travelling along the heavily congested Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar corridor, one of Pune's busiest IT routes. The service is anticipated to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and offer a reliable alternative to road transport.
The project had previously missed multiple launch deadlines, including the July 15 target announced by PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari. After construction of the first phase was completed, a five-member team from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspected the corridor between July 5 and 8.
Following the inspection, CMRS recommended a few technical improvements, which were promptly completed by PITCMRL. The project subsequently received its final safety clearance on July 23.
Since the CMRS functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol also discussed the matter with CMRS Commissioner Janak Garg in New Delhi and urged an early approval, helping clear the final procedural hurdle.
With safety approval in place, PMRDA and PITCMRL have confirmed that the first operational section is ready for public use. The initial stretch will include 12 stations, extending from Maan to R.K. Laxman Museum in Balewadi.
PMRDA has stated that work on five additional stations, including Shivajinagar, is expected to be completed by the end of August, while the remaining six stations are targeted for completion by July next year, gradually extending metro connectivity across the corridor.
The upcoming metro service has generated excitement among commuters, particularly IT professionals and families living in western Pune.
Many IT employees living in the Baner and Balewadi area have been eagerly waiting for this metro service. It will significantly reduce our travel time, and the time spent commuting can also be used productively for office work. The metro will make daily travel much more convenient and stress-free.
Vikram Jadhav, Baner
Residents of Hinjawadi also believe the metro will improve access to educational institutions and reduce dependence on lengthy bus journeys.
Our children currently spend a lot of time travelling by bus to colleges in the city, forcing many of them to stay in hostels. Even though the metro will initially operate only up to Sai Chowk, it will still make commuting much easier. We hope the remaining section is completed soon so that more residents can benefit from the service.
Nikhil Bodke, Hinjawadi Phase 2
