Pune Metro Line 3 Receives CMRS Approval for Maan-Hinjawadi–Balewadi Section, Passenger Services Move Closer to Launch
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Hinjawadi, 24th July 2026: Pune Metro Line 3, which will connect Hinjawadi IT Park with Shivajinagar, has achieved a major milestone after receiving provisional authorisation from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the Maan to R.K. Laxman Museum (Balewadi) section.
The approval, granted on July 23, 2026, clears the way for the commencement of passenger services on the first phase of the corridor, subject to the completion of the remaining operational formalities.
The approved section spans approximately 13 kilometres and includes 12 metro stations between Maan and R.K. Laxman Museum (Balewadi). The corridor will operate on a 750V DC third-rail traction system, while the CBTC signalling system will allow metro trains to run at a maximum speed of 80 kmph in Automatic Train Protection (ATP) mode.
According to Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), the CMRS granted the approval after all statutory inspections, safety checks, technical validations and mandatory trials were successfully completed.
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety had conducted a detailed inspection of the corridor between July 5 and July 8, in the presence of senior PITCMRL officials. Following the inspection, the company submitted compliance reports addressing all observations raised by the safety authority.
Before granting approval, the CMRS also verified successful trial runs and reviewed technical clearances, including the Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) certification, No Objection Certificate from the Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government (CEIG), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) licence, fire safety clearances for all 12 stations, and certifications related to civil works, tracks, signalling, telecommunications and rolling stock.
Anil Kumar Saini, Chief Executive Officer of Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, said the statutory safety approval marks a historic milestone for Pune Metro Line 3.
“This approval reflects our commitment to safety, quality and engineering excellence. It is another decisive step towards introducing a modern metro service for the people of Pune. The CMRS clearance is a crucial milestone in launching a safe, efficient and sustainable public transport system connecting Hinjawadi IT Hub with Pune city,” he said.
Welcoming the development, PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Abhijit Chaudhari said the approval is a significant achievement for both Pune residents and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
“The first phase of Pune Metro Line 3 will play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion around Hinjawadi IT Park while providing citizens with a safe, fast and environmentally friendly mode of public transport. PMRDA is committed to completing the remaining formalities at the earliest so that passenger services can begin as soon as possible,” he said.
The CMRS approval is considered one of the final statutory clearances before the launch of commercial operations, bringing the much-awaited metro connectivity between Hinjawadi and Pune city a step closer to reality.
