Pune Metro Line 3 to Introduce Advanced Third-Rail Technology for Faster and Smarter Urban Travel

Pune Metro Line 3 is set to become the city’s first metro corridor to operate using a 750-volt DC third-rail electrification system, bringing advanced transit technology that promises improved efficiency, reliable services and shorter travel times for commuters.

02 July, 2026 | Pune

Pune is preparing to take a significant leap in urban transportation as Metro Line 3 moves closer to commercial operations with the introduction of an advanced 750-volt DC third-rail electrification system. The 23-kilometre corridor connecting Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar will be the first in the city to adopt this globally preferred technology, placing Pune among a select group of Indian cities using third-rail-powered metro operations.

Unlike conventional metro systems that rely on overhead electric wires, the third-rail system supplies power through an additional conductor rail installed alongside the tracks. Electricity is collected through specialised collector shoes mounted beneath the trains, eliminating the need for overhead infrastructure. The technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also creates a cleaner city skyline by reducing visual clutter.

The new system is expected to offer several operational advantages, including lower maintenance requirements, improved reliability, reduced chances of power disruptions and better suitability for high-frequency metro services. For commuters, these improvements are likely to translate into smoother journeys, shorter waiting times and more dependable schedules.

Metro Line 3 will also be equipped with Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), an advanced digital signalling system that continuously monitors train movements in real time. The technology enables trains to operate at shorter intervals while maintaining high safety standards, allowing the corridor to accommodate increasing passenger demand efficiently.

The fully elevated corridor has already completed end-to-end trial runs and is awaiting the necessary statutory approvals before commercial services begin. The first operational phase will cover the 13.3-kilometre stretch between Maan and R. K. Laxman Museum, with the remaining section extending to District Court to integrate with the existing Maha Metro network.

Once fully operational, Metro Line 3 is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Pune’s IT hub in Hinjawadi and the city centre. Travel time between Shivajinagar and Hinjawadi is projected to reduce to around 45 minutes from the current average of 90 minutes, offering faster, more efficient and sustainable public transport for thousands of daily commuters.

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