The long-awaited Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is set to open for passengers by the end of September, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the virtual inauguration.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) intends to start operations at 17 of the corridor’s 23 stations, amending its previous plan to open 12 stations in the first phase.
The move comes after the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS) cleared the first 12 stations for passenger operations. The safety regulator is slated to check five more stations next week, clearing the stage for expanded operation.
Six stations will remain closed initially.
While 17 stations are scheduled to operate initially, six will stay closed until all remaining work is finished and the necessary safety approvals are secured.
These are Laxmi Nagar, Balewadi Phata, Baner Gaon, Baner, the Reserve Bank of India, and Shivajinagar.
According to officials, work is still underway at these stations and adjacent portions. Starting services will enable passenger operations to begin without waiting for the entire route to be completed.
CMRS inspection is vital.
Before providing safety approval, CMRS will inspect the stations and related infrastructure. PMRDA will finalize the operational plan after the inspection. The first 12 stations were originally slated for the initial phase, with the authority hoping to launch them by the end of June. The opening was subsequently postponed.
Virtual inauguration is expected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the inauguration virtually. The ultimate date will be determined by the CMRS approval and the Prime Minister’s schedule. Officials stated that the Line 3 opening was planned separately and was unrelated to political events in Baramati.
The project encountered frequent delays.
The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar route has experienced significant delays since construction began, with the opening date being altered several times due to construction work and the preparation of stations and related infrastructure. When fully operational, the 23.23-kilometer circuit will have all 23 stations in service.
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