Pune: Hinjawadi Metro Line Delayed Again, Now Expected by March 2026
Pune, 11th May 2025: The much-anticipated third Metro line, stretching 23 km from Maan to Shivajinagar via Hinjawadi, is now expected to become operational only by March 2026, as per officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
The revised timeline comes after repeated delays — the project was originally targeted for completion in March 2025, then pushed to September, and subsequently to December 2025.
A senior PMRDA official confirmed that a formal request for a deadline extension has been submitted by the concessionaire and is currently under review. “The proposal will be placed before the executive committee, which includes the state’s additional chief finance secretary. Final approval is awaited,” the official said.
Work Nearing Completion, But Key Challenges Remain
Over 85% of the construction work is reportedly finished. The project is being implemented by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) under PMRDA’s supervision. However, bottlenecks along critical segments of the alignment — particularly on Ganeshkhind Road, a high-traffic corridor — have caused major slowdowns.
“We faced hurdles in getting permissions for barricading and utility relocation on Ganeshkhind Road, which is used for VIP movement and daily commuter traffic,” said another PMRDA official. “Work couldn’t progress smoothly as a result.”
Trial runs for the Metro line, which were earlier planned for September 2025, will now be conducted in early 2026.
One-Time Opening for All 23 Stations
The elevated Metro corridor will consist of 23 stations and will offer seamless connectivity to the IT hub Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, a major employment zone in the region.
“We plan to commission the entire route at once, rather than in phases,” the official added.
In parallel, construction of the double-decker integrated flyover between University Chowk and E-Square Junction, which supports the Metro infrastructure, is progressing steadily. Over 80% of that work has been completed, and the Aundh-facing ramps are likely to open by June 1, offering some relief to daily traffic.
