Pune Metro Line 3: 17 Stations Likely to Open in First Phase by September-end, PM to Virtually Inaugurate Line

Pune, 15th September 2026: The long-delayed Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is likely to open for passengers by the end of September, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the service virtually.

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) now plans to open 17 of the corridor’s 23 stations in the first phase, up from the earlier plan of 12 stations.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has already cleared the first 12 stations and is expected to inspect five more next week. The additional clearances will allow PMRDA to expand the initial operational stretch.

Abhijit Chaudhari, metropolitan commissioner, PMRDA, said the authority was working to start services after securing the necessary safety approvals. The inauguration date is expected to be confirmed in the next few days.

The 23.23-km corridor will connect Hinjewadi with Shivajinagar via Wakad, Balewadi and Baner, providing an alternative to the congested Hinjewadi-Baner-Shivajinagar road network and improving connectivity between the IT hub and central Pune.

Six stations — Laxmi Nagar, Balewadi Phata, Baner Gaon, Baner, Reserve Bank of India and Shivajinagar — will remain closed initially as construction and related works are still pending. Services will begin at the remaining 17 stations without waiting for the entire corridor to be ready.

The final operational plan will be decided after the CMRS inspection. The project had earlier targeted a June-end launch, but the opening was delayed due to pending construction and station readiness.

The inauguration is likely to be held virtually by PM Narendrar Modi, subject to CMRS clearance and the Prime Minister’s schedule. Officials said the Line 3 launch is being planned separately from political programmes in Baramati.

Once fully operational, the corridor will have all 23 stations in service.