Pune residents and daily commuters in the city’s bustling western and central corridors are set for a major improvement in travel time with the upcoming Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line (Line 3). Built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, this 23-kilometre elevated metro route is expected to become operational by March 2026, and promises to slash a journey that currently takes around two hours on road to just about 30 minutes by metro.
Transforming Daily Commutes for IT Workers
Hinjewadi is home to the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, a major IT hub employing over 2.2 lakh professionals across more than 800 companies. Until now, heavy traffic congestion on the roads linking Hinjewadi and central Pune has made daily travel a long and tiring experience for thousands of workers. The soon-to-be-launched metro line is expected to dramatically cut travel time, offering commuters a fast, reliable and stress-free alternative to road transport.
Engineering and Connectivity Features
A distinctive feature of the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro project is its innovative double-decker bridge at University Chowk, where the roadway sits at ground level, a flyover above it, and the metro track at the topmost deck — a first in the country. This design not only streamlines traffic flows but also reflects Pune’s evolving urban transit infrastructure.
The metro line will connect Hinjewadi through key localities such as Wakad, Balewadi, Aundh and University Chowk, finally linking with existing metro lines at Shivajinagar for seamless commuting across Pune. This expanded network strengthens integration with other parts of the city, reducing dependency on private vehicles and buses.
Economic and Social Benefits
When operational, Line 3 will not only cut travel time but also contribute to lowering traffic congestion and road pollution across Pune. Faster commutes can improve work-life balance for professionals and make Pune more attractive for businesses considering relocation due to past traffic bottlenecks. Analysts also expect property markets near metro stations — particularly in Hinjewadi, Balewadi and Aundh — to benefit from increased demand as improved connectivity enhances residential and commercial appeal.
What’s Next
As trial runs have been successfully completed, authorities are preparing for the launch of regular services in the coming weeks. Once operational, the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro is set to be a game-changer for public transport in Pune — making commutes shorter, more predictable, and far more efficient for lakhs of daily travellers.
