Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route

The Pune metro is likely to prepare detailed project reports for new routes from Wakad to Katraj via Mumbai-Bengaluru Bypass, Wakad to Chakan, Kharadi to Pune airport, Shivajinagar to Kondhwa, Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor, and Hadapsar to Saswad Road railway.

The metro Line 3 will be connected to the already operational Line 1 and Line 2 through a skywalk at Civil Court station. (Image: File Photo)

Pune has witnessed a burgeoning number of private vehicles on its roads owing to an insufficient public transport system. The Pune metro rail service started three years ago, but has yet to pick up the response as estimated, as metro services are operational on only two routes.

No new routes in 2025

No new metro route has been inaugurated for more than a year. But the metro rail service in Pune is all set to get a big push with the expected inauguration of the metro Line 3 (Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar) by the end of March next year.

Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar route to be operational

“The work on Line 3 should be completed on time, and the operations should start as per the deadline,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Monday.

“We have directed the implementing agency, PITCMRL (Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd), to start the operations by March 31. They have been given an extension in the deadline many times, but now no more extensions will be given,” said a Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) officer.

The 23.3km-long elevated metro route is being keenly awaited as it will connect the city with Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park at Hinjewadi, which has been witnessing traffic congestion for the past few years. The metro Line 3 will be connected to the already operational Line 1 and Line 2 through a skywalk at Civil Court station.

Meanwhile, there is a possibility that all stations on Line 3 might not be inaugurated at the same time owing to pending works.

The Line 3 metro route is likely to get a good response from those working in the IT sector based in Hinjewadi. Line 3 is also expected to push up the footfall at the presently operational Line 1 (Swargate to PCMC) and Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) routes.

Work to pick up on route extensions

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The Union Government has given a nod to extend both operational routes. It has also green-lighted Line 4 from Khadakwasla to Kharadi.

“The work on the PCMC to Nigdi elevated metro route (Line 1) is gaining momentum. Construction of the 4.5 km route with four stations began in March last year. To date, 105 of the 153 foundations, 90 of 153 piers and 724 of 1,329 segment castings have been done. The civil work has to be completed by September next year, but actual operations will take time to start,” said a Pune metro official.

The extension work on the underground stretch from Swargate to Katraj (Line 1) is yet to be started, he further said, adding that the delay has been due to technical issues.

Upcoming routes

The Pune metro official also informed that work on the extension of the route from Ramwadi to Wagholi (Line 2) and Vanaz to Chandni Chowk (Line 2) will soon start as the tendering process is nearing completion.

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The Pune metro is likely to prepare detailed project reports for new routes from Wakad to Katraj via Mumbai-Bengaluru Bypass, Wakad to Chakan, Kharadi to Pune airport, Shivajinagar to Kondhwa, Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor, and Hadapsar to Saswad Road railway.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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