Commuters in Pune, already burdened by rising fuel costs and daily traffic congestion, are facing fresh disappointment over the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro project. After missing five deadlines for completing the entire corridor, even the phased rollout has been delayed. The Maan-Balewadi stretch, earlier expected to open by the end of June, is now unlikely to be operational before July.
Background of the Project
Back in March, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the 23-kilometer elevated corridor would open in two stages: the first in May, followed by the second in July. However, May came and went without any inauguration. The first phase was then pushed to the end of June. Now, even that deadline appears to be quietly slipping.
Official Statements
Officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) stated that the project concessionaire aimed to make the first 12 stations operational by the end of June. However, senior PMRDA officials indicated that commercial services would only begin after a formal inauguration, likely in July. One official admitted, “The launch could happen in the first half of July or slightly later, depending on the inauguration schedule,” underscoring the uncertainty still surrounding the project.
Commuters' Frustration
For thousands of commuters battling daily gridlock and spiraling fuel costs, the delay in the phased opening feels like déjà vu. Anita D, an IT professional who continues to rely on her private vehicle, voiced a sentiment echoed across the IT hub: “The wait has been unending. There is a new deadline almost every month.” Priya P, who travels daily from Baner to Hinjewadi by autorickshaw, questioned the need for ceremonial delays: “With rising fuel prices and shortages, the government should prioritize starting operations immediately. Formal inaugurations are not what people need right now.”
Other commuters pointed to the shifting goalposts. Mohit Pawar noted that the original plan was to open the entire stretch in one go. “Now it is split into 12 stations and later 11. Given the fuel crisis and traffic chaos, it should have been operational much earlier. It would have made a real difference,” he said.
Project Status and Safety Clearances
Despite the setbacks, officials maintained that the project is nearing completion. The Metro Line 3 corridor is 95.2% ready, an official said, adding that the first phase is pending mandatory safety clearances. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is expected to inspect the corridor on June 10. Final approval, however, could stretch beyond June, possibly pushing operations further into July. A senior PMRDA official stated: “A decision will be taken after inspection, but the process may extend till the end of June or even July.”
Incomplete Stations
Not all stations are fully ready. Authorities conceded that work is still pending at a few stops, raising the possibility of further delays in parts of the corridor. The remaining stretch is expected to be completed over the next three to four months.
Expected Benefits
Once operational, the Metro Line 3 is expected to drastically cut travel time between Pune city and the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, one of India's busiest IT hubs. It will also integrate with the existing Pune Metro network, connecting the PCMC-Swargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi lines.
For now, that promise remains just out of reach, as commuters continue to wait, watch, and hope that this time, the deadline finally holds.
