The Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro corridor in Pune has missed yet another deadline, marking the sixth postponement in its completion timeline. The Maan–Balewadi stretch, previously expected to open by the end of June, is now unlikely to be operational before July, according to officials. This repeated delay has heightened frustration among daily commuters, particularly those traveling to the IT hub in Hinjewadi.
Six Deadlines, No Trains in Sight
The 23-kilometer elevated Metro corridor, also known as Pune Metro Line 3, has failed to meet multiple completion timelines over the past year. Even the phased rollout strategy, announced by the state government in March, has not been adhered to. The plan initially promised two phases: one in May and another in July. However, the first phase was pushed to June-end, and that deadline has quietly passed without any commencement of services. Officials now indicate that commercial operations may only begin after a formal inauguration ceremony in July.
Commuters Bear the Brunt
For thousands of office-goers, the ongoing delays have made daily travel increasingly expensive and exhausting. Rising fuel prices and worsening traffic congestion have left commuters with limited options, relying on private vehicles and autorickshaws. Many had pinned their hopes on the Metro to ease congestion along the Hinjewadi route, but the prolonged wait has deepened scepticism about project execution.
IT professionals working in Hinjewadi have voiced their frustration, noting that deadlines keep shifting with little clarity on actual operations. One commuter remarked, "It feels like a new deadline is announced every month, but we never see any trains." The lack of a firm date has eroded trust in the project's management.
Ceremonial Hurdles and Safety Approvals
Officials have stated that even after the corridor is ready, Metro services will only begin following a formal inauguration. Commuters have questioned this approach, arguing that operations should start immediately once safety approvals are secured, especially given the current fuel shortages and traffic chaos. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety is expected to inspect the corridor in June, and final approval may extend beyond that month, potentially pushing the launch further into July or later.
Phased Rollout Raises Concerns
The original plan to open the entire corridor simultaneously has been replaced with a phased approach. The first phase includes 12 stations, with the remaining 11 to be completed later. Commuters argue that this staggered rollout reduces the immediate impact the Metro could have had on traffic relief. Authorities have acknowledged that some stations are still not fully ready, with work expected to continue for another three to four months. Until then, full-scale operations across the entire corridor remain out of reach.
As of now, the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is over 95% complete, but mandatory safety approvals are still pending. The repeated delays have left Pune's commuters waiting indefinitely for a reliable alternative to the city's congested roads.
