Pune, 25th August 2026: The long-awaited Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro service is likely to begin in the first week of September, with the state government expected to finalise the inauguration date soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the first phase virtually, according to sources.
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granted approval for passenger operations on July 23 on the 12-station Man-Mahalunge/Balewadi stretch. The approval followed safety inspections, trial runs and checks to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.
Following the clearance, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) approached the state government to seek a date for the inauguration.
A senior PMRDA official said the authority's priority is to start passenger services as soon as possible and that the service is expected to begin in the first week of September.
The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar corridor will be opened in two stages:
Phase 1: Man to Balewadi
Phase 2: Baner High Street to Shivajinagar
Trains on the approved stretch will be permitted to operate at a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
Sources said the Chief Minister's Office has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's availability for the launch. Earlier phases of the Pune Metro were also inaugurated by Modi.
The first phase is expected to provide a crucial public transport connection between Hinjewadi's IT hub and central Pune, potentially benefiting a large number of daily commuters and IT employees.
The launch of the first phase is expected to provide commuters with an alternative to the heavily congested road network between Hinjewadi and western and central Pune. The second phase will further extend the corridor towards Shivajinagar once it is ready for passenger operations.
First phase likely to open in the first week of September 2026.
12-station Man-Balewadi stretch has received CMRS clearance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the service virtually.
The full Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar corridor will be operational in two phases.
Trains on the approved section can run at up to 80 kmph.
