The Pune Metro Line-3 project connecting Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar is expected to be completed by March 2025. According to Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), which are implementing the project, 60% of the works have been completed so far.

However, PMRDA had earlier stated in its budget in September that the work on Metro Line-3 was progressing slowly. This has raised questions about whether the remaining 40% of the work can be completed in time for the March 2025 deadline.

The deadline for completing the construction of the entire elevated Metro line from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar was November 2024. Now this period has been later extended until March 2025.

Citizens are facing severe traffic congestion, PITCMRL stated during an interaction on Friday. In order to solve this problem, efforts are being made to complete the ‘Pune Metro Line 3’ project as soon as possible. Officials said that constructing metro in important and busy areas like Balewadi, Baner and Ganeshkhind Road was challenging and despite these difficulties, more than 60% of the work has been completed.

PMRDA commissioner Yogesh Mhase said: “PITCMRL is behind schedule as per its commitments. Work slowed down due to monsoon season. However, they accelerated work from November. They will present the micro plan of Pune Metro line-3 work. How will they work by March 2025? 10 metros “They say they work at the station.”

Officials announced that while the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro project is planned to be completed by March 2025, there may be delays due to inevitable difficulties. However, once the ‘Puneri Metro’ starts operating on this route, the travel time between Shivajinagar and Hinjewadi will reduce to just 35 to 40 minutes.

PMRDA had planned a test run on the 8 km stretch from Maan to Wakad in September this year and the rail base installation was completed in 8.5 km. However, the deadline was missed.

According to PMRDA officials, the double-decker crossing from SPPU Chowk to E-Square junction was expected to be completed by August this year but the deadline was missed.

PMRDA is also awaiting approval to transfer 263.78 square meters of Raj Bhavan land to the Metro line to improve road traffic flow. However, the government department stated that matters related to Raj Bhavan land should not be referred to them. The proposed metro station is planned near the Raj Bhavan campus wall. Thus, passengers can move more easily after getting off the metro.

The Pune Metro Line 3 project connecting Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is being developed by the Tata Group under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with PMRDA. A private company, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, was formed to execute the project. The metro line is 23.2 kilometers long, consists of 923 columns and 23 stations.