Pune Metro Line 3 to Run on Advanced Third-Rail Electrification System
Hinjawadi, 2nd July 2026: As Pune Metro Line 3 moves closer to commercial operations, the city is set to join a select group of Indian cities operating metro services using a 750-volt DC third-rail electrification system. The 23-km Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar corridor will be the first in Pune to adopt this globally preferred power supply technology, designed for high-frequency urban transit.
Third-rail technology powers several prominent metro networks in India, including sections of the Kolkata Metro, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro and other newer urban transit systems. It has been widely adopted for its compact design, operational efficiency and minimal visual impact. With Metro Line 3, Pune will become part of this growing network of cities embracing next-generation metro infrastructure.
Unlike conventional electrification systems that rely on overhead wires and masts, the third-rail system supplies power through an additional conductor rail installed alongside the tracks. Collector shoes mounted beneath the trains draw electricity directly from this rail, eliminating the need for overhead equipment and helping maintain a cleaner urban skyline.
The key advantages of third-rail technology include:
High reliability with reduced susceptibility to power failures and service disruptions.
Minimal visual clutter due to the absence of overhead wires and masts.
Lower maintenance requirements compared to conventional overhead electrification systems.
Greater suitability for high-frequency metro operations in dense urban environments.
For commuters, these technological advancements are expected to result in shorter waiting times, improved punctuality and smoother journeys.
The technology assumes added significance for Metro Line 3, as the corridor will connect the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi with key locations such as Wakad, Baner, Balewadi, University Circle and Shivajinagar. The absence of overhead wiring along one of Pune’s fastest-growing corridors is also expected to enhance the city’s urban landscape.
Complementing the third-rail system is Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), an advanced digital signalling system that continuously exchanges information between trains and trackside equipment. Unlike conventional fixed-block signalling, CBTC accurately determines the real-time location, speed and movement of each train, enabling services to operate at shorter intervals while maintaining the highest safety standards.
The combination of third-rail electrification and CBTC will enable Metro Line 3 to support high-frequency operations, increased passenger capacity and reliable service as commuting demand between Pune’s IT hub and the city centre continues to grow. The technology platform is also designed to accommodate future operational upgrades, including higher levels of automation.
Also known as the Puneri Metro, Pune Metro Line 3 has successfully completed end-to-end trial runs across its entire 23-km fully elevated corridor, marking a significant milestone towards the commencement of commercial operations. The Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar corridor has entered its final stage of readiness and is awaiting statutory approvals and regulatory clearances.
The line will be commissioned in phases. In the first phase, the 13.3-km stretch between Maan and R. K. Laxman Museum, comprising 12 stations, will be opened for passenger services. The corridor will subsequently be extended to District Court station, enabling seamless integration with the Maha Metro network.
Once fully operational, Pune Metro Line 3 is expected to transform urban mobility by reducing travel time between Shivajinagar and Hinjawadi to around 45 minutes, compared with the current average of nearly 90 minutes, cutting commute time by more than 50 per cent.
