Pune: Hinjawadi-Balewadi Metro Stretch To Start Operations Likely by September, Says PMRDA
Hinjawadi, 7th July 2025: In a significant development for commuters in the Hinjawadi-Balewadi corridor, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is preparing to launch operations on a 13-kilometre stretch of Metro Line 3 by September 2025, senior officials confirmed.
The Metro Line 3, spanning 23.3 kilometres with 23 stations, is being implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) between PMRDA and Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd, a consortium backed by Tata Group and Siemens. Construction began in November 2021 and is being executed in two phases.
“We are targeting partial operations on the section between Megapolis Circle and Balewadi Phata to provide immediate relief to commuters, especially given the rising traffic issues in Hinjawadi,” said a senior PMRDA official, requesting anonymity.
Metro Timeline Ahead of National Average
According to officials, the pace of construction has exceeded national norms. “Typically, metro construction takes around 8 to 14 months per kilometre. For a 23-kilometre project, that would mean a timeline of over four years. We are progressing faster than that,” the official added.
Trial Run Marks Milestone
Last week, PMRDA successfully conducted a trial run on the mainline—a milestone in the project’s implementation. “Earlier tests were limited to the depot. This was our first full trial on the actual route,” said Yogesh Mhase, PMRDA Commissioner. “It’s a big step towards beginning phased operations.”
He added that the stretch between Maan and Balewadi Phata, which covers 13 km, is in the final stages of civil construction. Thirteen stations along the route are structurally complete, and work on staircases, finishing, and commuter facilities is ongoing.
“We aim to begin metro service on this stretch by September 2025. The remaining work, including interior finishes and safety checks, will be completed over the next few weeks,” Mhase stated.
Full Line Completion Targeted by 2026
The entire Metro Line 3 is projected to be completed by March 2026, according to PMRDA. Officials hope that partial operations will not only ease congestion but also counter public dissatisfaction over delays in metro connectivity for Pune’s IT and residential hubs.
Public backlash over worsening traffic, particularly in the Hinjawadi, Wakad, and Baner areas, has grown louder in recent months. Political leaders and activists have repeatedly urged authorities to expedite mass transit alternatives.
“Opening even a section of the metro will make a noticeable difference to daily commuters,” said a Hinjawadi resident. “This could reduce pressure on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway and tech park access roads.”
The planned early launch comes as PMRDA and partner agencies look to improve public perception and showcase tangible progress ahead of the full network’s operationalisation.
