Officials said the first phase of Pune Metro Line 3 cannot be opened until it receives the final safety certificate from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
The safety inspection of the first phase, covering 12 stations between Hinjewadi and Balewadi, has already been completed. However, the final inspection report and approval for commercial operations are still awaited.
Even after the certificate is issued, officials said several technical and administrative formalities will have to be completed before passenger services can begin. The process is expected to take at least two more weeks, making an August launch more likely.
The 23-km Metro Line 3 project is being developed by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL). Authorities had earlier issued multiple extensions and directions to complete the project on time. However, administrative delays, coordination issues, and pending work affected by the monsoon have pushed back the schedule once again.
This is the fifth time the project’s deadline has been revised. The original plan was to open the entire corridor at once, but the Maharashtra government later decided to launch the line in phases.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also chairs the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), had directed officials to begin the first phase by July 15. However, the target could not be achieved because the final safety approval has not yet been granted.
The latest delay has disappointed thousands of IT employees who travel daily to Hinjewadi IT Park and continue to face heavy traffic congestion. Many commuters were hoping the metro would provide a faster and more reliable travel option.
PMRDA Chief Engineer Rinaz Pathan said passenger services will begin only after the CMRS issues the final safety certificate. She added that there will be no compromise on safety standards, and operations will start only after all technical and administrative requirements are completed.
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