- Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Pune Metro Project Gets New Completion Date
- What’s Holding the Project Back?
- Who’s Building the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro?
- Integrated Double-Decker Flyover Also Delayed
- Tree Trimming Speeded Up After Monsoon Accidents
- What Will the Metro Offer Once Ready?
- PMRDA Says New Deadline is Realistic
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Pune Metro Project Gets New Completion Date
The much-awaited Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Pune Metro Line 3 has once again seen a shift in its completion date. This metro line, which will stretch 23 km and connect Pune’s key IT hub Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, now has a new target—March 2026.
New Deadline Approved by Authorities
The revised deadline was approved by the state executive committee, which is headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance). PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase confirmed the extension and said that the new timeline is now officially set for March 2026.
Originally planned to be ready by March 2025, the project has been delayed more than once. It was first pushed to September 2025, then to December 2025, and now further to March 2026.
Over 85% of the Work is Done
According to Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) officials, more than 85% of the metro construction work is already completed. However, several key tasks are still pending, including:
- Getting approvals for barricading work on high-traffic roads
- Shifting of utility service lines
- Administrative clearances
- Delays caused by VIP movement
- Issues related to land ownership and permissions
These challenges have made it difficult to keep the construction on track.
Hinjawadi Tech Workers and Daily Commuters Disappointed
The repeated changes in the deadline have caused frustration among people, especially tech workers from Hinjawadi and residents of surrounding areas. Many commuters were hoping for faster public transport and reduced traffic problems, but the delays have made daily travel harder.
A local commuter group member said, “Every few months, the date keeps changing. People are tired of waiting.”
Trial Runs Postponed to 2026
Initially, trial runs of Pune Metro Line 3 were scheduled for September 2025. But due to construction delays and incomplete work, these trial runs will now start in early 2026, likely just before the final launch.
The entire 23-km metro line will be opened in a single phase once everything is ready. Officials believe this approach will make operations smoother from day one.
What’s Holding the Project Back?
Despite steady progress, several key reasons have led to the current delay:
1. Delay in Land Acquisition
Some stretches of land, including areas near Raj Bhavan, were not handed over to the metro authorities on time. In some places, work permissions were delayed due to security concerns.
2. VIP Movements on Key Roads
Heavy VIP movement, especially on Ganeshkhind Road, caused traffic blocks and made it difficult for construction to progress without interruptions.
3. Utility Relocation Problems
Shifting power cables, water pipelines, and other utility lines has taken longer than expected. This work needs to be finished before building can continue in those zones.
4. Protests by Material Suppliers
There were also agitations by gravel and material suppliers, which stopped construction in some locations for several days.
5. Administrative Bottlenecks
Getting clearances from multiple departments slowed the project at various stages. Although PMRDA has made efforts to speed up the process, red tape has still caused trouble.
Who’s Building the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro?
The ₹7,420 crore metro project is being built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The following groups are involved:
- PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority): Overseeing the overall development
- Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd. (PITCMRL): Handling on-ground implementation
- Tata Group, Trail Urban Transport Pvt. Ltd. & Siemens Project Ventures: Project execution
This metro is expected to be a major relief for Pune’s growing traffic problems, especially between the crowded Shivajinagar region and the busy IT sector in Hinjawadi.
Integrated Double-Decker Flyover Also Delayed
Apart from the metro, another major infrastructure piece is facing delays—the double-decker flyover between University Chowk and E-Square.
This flyover will carry road traffic on one level and metro trains on the upper deck. It’s an important part of Pune’s transport system. Earlier expected to be completed this year, the new completion date is now October 30, 2025.
Tree Trimming Speeded Up After Monsoon Accidents
While metro construction is ongoing, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has also been busy managing tree safety issues. After two people lost their lives in recent rains due to falling branches, PMC has cleared over 300 pending applications for cutting risky trees.
As per Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divate, PMC teams have trimmed trees in over 748 areas, covering 439 locations using their own vehicles.
Local societies with dangerous trees will be asked to pay for trimming or cutting. This move comes after complaints of delays in action, especially from the Tree Authority Committee.
What Will the Metro Offer Once Ready?
Once completed, the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 will offer:
- 23 stations across a 23-km route
- Faster travel between Pune’s residential and business zones
- Reduced traffic on major roads like Baner, Aundh, Balewadi, and Senapati Bapat Road
- Better connectivity for tech workers and college students
- Safe and reliable travel even during monsoons
The metro stations will be equipped with:
- Escalators
- Modern lighting systems
- Electric wiring
- Safety tools and other essential features
PMRDA Says New Deadline is Realistic
PMRDA officials say the new March 2026 deadline is more realistic and achievable, provided there are no unexpected issues like heavy rains or delays in clearances.
They hope that pending 15% of the construction work will be completed soon. This includes finishing touches like:
- Final station installations
- Signal testing
- Electrical systems
- Trial runs and safety checks
The goal is to launch the service all at once, without partial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When will the Hinjawadi–Shivajinagar Pune Metro Line 3 be completed?
The new deadline for completion is March 2026, as per PMRDA’s latest update.
Q. Why is the project getting delayed again and again?
Delays are mainly due to land permissions, slow utility shifting, VIP traffic blocks, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Q. How much of the metro work is complete?
According to PMRDA, over 85% of the work is already done.
Q. Will the metro open in phases?
No, the metro will be launched in one single phase after all construction is complete and trial runs are successful.
Q. What is the current status of the double-decker flyover?
The flyover between University Chowk and E-Square is now expected to be completed by October 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Pune Metro Project is one of the city’s most important transport projects. While the delays have certainly tested the patience of daily commuters and IT professionals, the authorities remain hopeful that the March 2026 deadline will finally be met.
Once operational, this metro line will bring much-needed relief to Pune’s traffic, connect key areas smoothly, and offer a reliable travel option for thousands of residents.
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I’m Priya Agarwal, and I write about everything related to Hinjewadi! From the latest news and events to hidden spots and local businesses, my articles are all about helping you explore and enjoy this vibrant area. Whether you live here or are just visiting, I aim to bring you useful, interesting, and up-to-date information about Hinjewadi. Stay tuned for more!
