Pune Metro Line 3 Completes Major Trial Run Between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar, Commercial Launch Nears
Pune
Pune Metro Line 3’s 23 km Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar corridor successfully completes trial run, moving closer to commercial service likely by March 2026.
Pune | 14 February, 2026- In a major boost to urban connectivity in Pune, Pune Metro has successfully completed the full trial run of Metro Line 3, spanning approximately 23.2 kilometres between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar. The comprehensive trial covered the entire elevated corridor in both directions, marking a significant step toward commercial operations. Engineers and technical teams closely monitored train movement, signalling systems, track alignment, power supply, platform screen doors, and safety mechanisms to ensure operational readiness. The successful testing phase signals that the project has entered its final preparatory stage before opening to the public.
Metro Line 3 holds strategic importance for Pune’s rapidly expanding urban landscape, particularly for thousands of IT professionals commuting daily to the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi. The corridor has long been plagued by severe traffic congestion during peak hours, with travel times frequently stretching beyond two hours for what should be a much shorter journey. Once operational, the metro line is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Hinjawadi and central Pune, offering a reliable and environmentally sustainable alternative to road transport. Urban mobility experts believe the line could transform commuting patterns, lower fuel consumption, and reduce vehicular emissions in one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing cities.
Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, Metro Line 3 is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in the Pune Metropolitan Region. The corridor includes 23 stations, strategically located to connect residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, educational institutions, and office complexes. The elevated alignment allows trains to bypass heavy road traffic, ensuring consistent travel speeds and improved punctuality. Authorities involved in the project have indicated that over 90 percent of the physical infrastructure is complete, with finishing works underway at select stations.
Following the successful trial run, the next critical step involves securing safety certification from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). This clearance is mandatory before commercial passenger services can begin. Officials have emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority, and operations will commence only after all technical audits, system validations, and emergency preparedness checks are fully satisfied. If approvals proceed as planned, Metro Line 3 could begin phased commercial operations by early 2026.
The project’s progress also complements Pune’s broader metro expansion efforts aimed at reducing dependence on private vehicles and strengthening public transport networks. As the city continues to witness rapid population growth and urban sprawl, integrated mass transit solutions have become essential to sustain economic development and maintain quality of life. The Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar corridor, in particular, is viewed as a backbone route that will connect employment centers with key residential zones, thereby reshaping how citizens navigate the city.
Local residents and daily commuters have welcomed the news of the completed trial run, expressing optimism that the long-awaited metro service will finally ease daily congestion woes. Real estate analysts also suggest that improved connectivity could positively impact property values along the corridor, especially in Hinjawadi and Baner, as accessibility improves. Businesses operating in the IT sector anticipate enhanced productivity due to reduced commuting stress for employees.
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