The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is set to deliver a major mobility breakthrough by launching operations on a 13-kilometre stretch of Metro Line 3—from Megapolis Circle to Balewadi Phata—by September 2025. This development is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the Hinjawadi-Balewadi corridor, which serves thousands of IT professionals and residents daily.
Speeding Past the National Average
Unlike the typical metro construction pace of 8–14 months per kilometre, PMRDA and its private partners (Tata Group and Siemens) have exceeded expectations with rapid progress on the 23.3 km, 23-station corridor. The upcoming partial rollout is a sign of fast-tracked infrastructure delivery, a rarity in large-scale public transport projects.
Trial Runs Signal Operational Readiness
The recent successful mainline trial run marks a critical project milestone. Earlier testing was limited to the depot, but this live trial indicates readiness for commuter services. PMRDA Commissioner Yogesh Mhase confirmed that civil work along the Maan to Balewadi Phata section is nearing completion, with finishing touches on stations and commuter facilities underway.
Public Perception and Political Pressure
Persistent traffic jams and delayed metro services have drawn criticism in tech-heavy areas like Hinjawadi, Wakad, and Baner. Political leaders and activists have urged authorities to act quickly, especially as IT park commutes continue to grow in volume and frustration. The early launch is being viewed as a strategic move to both meet urgent commuter needs and rebuild public trust in the metro project’s timeline.
Looking Ahead: Full Network by 2026
While the September opening will cover just over half the total stretch, the full Metro Line 3—connecting key hubs from Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar—is targeted for completion by March 2026. Once operational, it promises to revolutionise urban mobility in Pune, reducing vehicle dependency and pollution while increasing accessibility for tech park employees and nearby residents.
In the short term, the partial rollout is expected to ease pressure on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway and access roads to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park. Commuters and local stakeholders have already welcomed the announcement, seeing it as a long-overdue but promising first step toward a smarter, faster, and more sustainable urban commute.
