Pune is gearing up for major transport improvements as two long-awaited infrastructure projects — Pune Metro Line 3 and the Mumbai–Pune Expressway missing link — approach completion. Both are expected to be ready in March or soon after, promising reduced travel times, eased congestion and better connectivity across the city and beyond.
Metro Line 3 Nears Operational Stage
The Pune Metro Line 3 project, a key component of the city’s mass rapid transit expansion, is slated for completion in March 2026. This line will run from District Court in Pune to Hinjawadi’s Megapolis area, covering important IT and residential hubs. It includes 23 stations and elevated tracks designed to connect commuters quickly across the metropolitan region. The metro aims to provide a reliable alternative to road travel for daily commuters, shrinking journey times and alleviating pressure on surface traffic.
Once operational, Line 3 will integrate with existing metro corridors at key interchange points, expanding Pune’s rapid transit network and improving access for IT professionals, students and residents living in suburban areas.
Expressway Missing Link To Cut Pune–Mumbai Travel Time
At the same time, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway missing link project is approaching its final stages, with authorities targeting a March 2026 completion followed by an opening soon after. This missing segment had been a major bottleneck on the expressway, forcing vehicles onto slower, winding routes through the hills.
The new stretch — approximately 13.3 km long and including tunnels and bridges — will bypass the existing slow section near Lonavala and Khopoli, reducing the overall distance between Pune and Mumbai and cutting travel time by about 30 minutes. This improvement will benefit long-distance travellers, logistics operators and weekend commuters who regularly use the expressway.
The project’s most challenging part — a cable-stayed bridge spanning a deep valley — along with tunnel segments, is nearly complete, with safety checks and finishing touches underway. Officials aim to finalise the final engineering and safety protocols in the weeks ahead.
What It Means For Commuters And Travellers
Once both projects are completed:
- Daily commuters in Pune will have faster, more reliable metro access to work, education and residential hubs.
- Road travellers between Pune and Mumbai will enjoy smoother journeys with reduced travel times and less congestion.
- Economic activity across the region is expected to benefit from improved transport efficiency.
These developments reflect a broader push to modernise transport infrastructure in and around Pune, balancing rapid urban growth with smarter, sustainable mobility solutions.
