Pune is grappling with both infrastructure delays and urgent safety reforms as the city battles monsoon-related risks and transport setbacks.
Metro Line 3 Sees Another Deadline Extension
The much-awaited Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar across a 23-km route, has received a revised deadline of March 2026, pushing the launch date further by a year. PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase confirmed the extension was approved by the state’s finance-led executive committee.
“85% of the construction is done, but key permissions and utility shifts have slowed us down,” said a PMRDA official.
Initially targeted for March 2025, the project has now seen multiple delays, frustrating daily commuters—especially tech workers from Hinjawadi—who were banking on faster transit.
Trial runs, once slated for September 2025, will now likely begin in early 2026. The integrated double-decker flyover between University Chowk and E-Square is also delayed, now scheduled for completion by October 2025.
PMC Speeds Up Tree-Cutting After Monsoon Fatalities
Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its tree-cutting and pruning campaign after two people died from falling branches during recent rains.
“We’ve cleared 309 pending proposals for dangerous trees. All departments have been instructed to act swiftly,” said Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divate.
So far, tree-trimming has been done at 748 locations across Pune, with civic teams pruning branches at 439 sites using municipal vehicles.
The fatalities near Nilayam Cinema and in Erandwane sparked public outrage and exposed administrative delays. Earlier, approvals were bottlenecked at the Tree Authority Committee. Now, ward offices have been empowered to fast-track applications. Still, complaints of bureaucratic delays persisted, prompting intervention from top PMC officials.
Societies hosting risky trees will see PMC take action, but the cost of trimming or removal will be billed to the society, officials clarified.
As Pune expands its urban footprint, the dual focus on long-term infrastructure like the Metro and short-term safety measures like hazardous tree removal is crucial. But for residents, it’s a test of patience—waiting for trains to arrive and hoping trees don’t fall.
