Pune Metro Line 3 Set to Open 17 Stations by September-End; PM Modi Likely to Inaugurate Virtually

Pune Metro Line 3 connecting Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar is likely to begin passenger services by September-end, with 17 of 23 stations planned for the first phase.

Pune, September 15, 2026: Pune’s much-awaited Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is moving closer to its long-awaited launch, with passenger services likely to begin by the end of September.

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is now planning to open 17 of the corridor’s 23 stations during the initial phase, expanding the earlier plan of starting services with 12 stations. The launch is expected to be inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although the final date is yet to be confirmed.

The 23.23-kilometre elevated corridor will connect Hinjewadi with Shivajinagar, passing through important areas including Wakad, Balewadi and Baner. The project is designed to provide an alternative public transport route for thousands of daily commuters travelling between Pune’s major IT hub and central parts of the city.

Five More Stations Await Safety Inspection

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has already cleared the first 12 stations for passenger operations. Five additional stations are expected to undergo safety inspection shortly.

If the required clearances are granted, passenger services can begin across the expanded 17-station stretch.

PMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari said the authority is working towards commencing passenger operations after completing the necessary safety formalities. The final inauguration schedule will depend on the remaining approvals and the Prime Minister’s availability.

Six Stations to Remain Closed Initially

While 17 stations are expected to become operational in the first phase, six stations will remain closed initially because construction and other required work is still pending.

These include:

• Laxmi Nagar
• Balewadi Phata
• Baner Gaon
• Baner
• Reserve Bank of India
• Shivajinagar

Officials are continuing work at these locations, with passenger operations planned to expand once the necessary construction and safety clearances are completed.

Relief Expected for Hinjewadi-Baner-Shivajinagar Traffic

The Metro Line 3 corridor is expected to provide a major public transport alternative to the heavily congested Hinjewadi-Baner-Shivajinagar road network.

Hinjewadi is one of Pune’s biggest IT and employment hubs, generating significant daily commuter traffic. The new metro corridor is expected to improve connectivity, reduce dependence on private vehicles and provide a faster public transport option for commuters.

According to PMRDA, the complete Line 3 corridor is 23.203 km long and has 23 stations. The project is being developed under a public-private partnership model and is intended to address traffic congestion around Hinjewadi and support sustainable urban mobility.

Project Has Faced Multiple Delays

The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro project has faced several delays and revised opening schedules since construction began.

The first 12 stations had earlier been targeted for an earlier launch, but passenger operations were delayed as authorities completed construction work and sought the necessary safety approvals.

With the proposed 17-station opening, commuters are now awaiting the final inauguration date and commencement of regular passenger services.

Once the remaining stations receive the necessary approvals and construction is completed, the entire 23-station corridor is expected to provide a direct metro connection between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar.

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