Pune: Hinjawadi To Shivajinagar Metro Line Expected To Be Operational By October; Metro Line To Ease Traffic Congestion
Hinjawadi, 20th February 2025: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced that the much-awaited metro line connecting Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar is expected to be operational by October. The completion of this metro corridor is anticipated to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area. However, commuters will have to wait another eight months for its launch.
The 23.3-kilometer metro project has reached 82% completion, with major infrastructure work, including duct installation and railway track laying, already finalized. Additional tasks such as installing escalators, traffic signals, electrical systems, and minor repairs across 23 stations are currently in their final stages. According to metro officials, all pending work and testing are set to be completed by September, paving the way for operations to begin in October.
Aimed at reducing traffic congestion between the IT hubs of Hinjawadi and the central business district of Shivajinagar, this metro line is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project initially faced multiple delays due to land acquisition issues, permit approvals, and contractor-related challenges. To address the delays, PMRDA warned contractors of penalties for further setbacks and later granted a six-month extension. Work resumed at full pace in July 2024, with the completion of critical station infrastructure now a priority.
The metro corridor will feature 23 stations, including Quadron, Infosys Phase 2, Döhler, Wipro, PAN India, Shivaji Chowk, Hinjawadi, Wakad Chowk, Balewadi Stadium, NICMAR, Ram Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Balewadi Phata, Baner Gaon, Baner, Indian Institute of Agricultural Research, Sakalnagar, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Agricultural College, Shivajinagar, and Civil Court. Eleven of these stations will be equipped with escalators, waiting areas, seating arrangements, and commercial facilities to enhance commuter convenience.
Given the heavy traffic congestion in and around Hinjawadi, particularly at key intersections such as Balewadi, Ganeshkhind Road, Shivaji Chowk, and the Hinjawadi flyover, this metro line is expected to provide much-needed relief. The project incorporates advanced technology, including the ‘Third Rail System’ and ‘Regenerative Braking,’ ensuring a safer and more eco-friendly transit solution. The air-conditioned metro coaches have been manufactured at the Alstom facility in Andhra Pradesh.
While the metro line promises improved connectivity and traffic decongestion, commuters will have to wait until October to experience the benefits of this modern transit system.
