Pune Metro Line 3: How Construction Scrap Was Turned into a Miniature Train for Maharashtra CM
Pune, 9th November 2026: In a unique initiative promoting sustainability and innovation, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) presented a miniature replica of its Metro train to the Maharashtra Chief Minister during the inauguration ceremony of Pune Metro Line 3. The memento, presented by PITCMRL CEO Anil Kumar Saini, was crafted using approximately 2 kg of discarded galvanised iron (GI) steel scrap generated during the project’s construction.
The initiative reflects PITCMRL’s efforts to give construction waste a new purpose by transforming discarded materials into meaningful creations. The miniature train was developed through extensive brainstorming, multiple experiments and meticulous craftsmanship to replicate the distinctive features and intricate detailing of the actual Pune Metro Line 3 train.
The process involved welding, shaping, detailing and finishing to recreate the original train in miniature form. Beyond being a commemorative gift, the model demonstrates how materials generated during infrastructure development can be creatively repurposed, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in large-scale projects.
The sustainability initiative also extends to the packaging. The miniature train was presented in a customised bag made from approximately 30 discarded plastic wrappers, which were processed and converted into reusable fabric using a specialised technique.
The bags are made by women artisans skilled in transforming discarded plastic wrappers into usable products. This adds a social sustainability dimension to the initiative by supporting women’s skill development while promoting the reuse of plastic waste. Ecokaari and Infine Art Ventures LLP extended their support for the successful implementation of the initiative.
PITCMRL’s latest initiative is part of its broader commitment to integrating sustainability into the development and operations of Pune Metro Line 3, a 23-km corridor connecting Maan in Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar.
Under its ‘Art from Scrap’ initiative, the company had earlier created ‘Confluence’, a 17-foot-tall artistic installation at its Operations Control Centre building at the Maan depot. Weighing approximately 1.6 tonnes, the installation incorporates around 1.5 tonnes of reclaimed GI steel, mild steel and mixed-metal scrap generated during the project’s construction.
Pune Metro Line 3, a 23-km elevated corridor with 23 stations, connects Maan in Hinjawadi to the District Court station in Shivajinagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the corridor on November 3, 2026, and passenger services commenced on November 4.
The corridor recorded approximately 50,000 passenger journeys on its first day of operations, despite the Diwali holiday period, marking an encouraging response from commuters. The project is expected to strengthen Pune’s urban transport network and improve connectivity to the city’s major IT hub.
