Hinjawadi Metro Launch: PM Narendra Modi Could Inaugurate Line 3 If He Visits Pune In September

Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar, could launch for passengers in September if Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Pune for its inauguration, officials announced. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had invited the Prime Minister to make the opening announcement. Although the exact date of the visit has not been set, the possibility of a September visit has sparked optimism among residents that the line will finally start operations.

The 13-kilometer line, extending from Maan in Hinjawadi to RK Laxman Museum in Balewadi, received provisional authorization from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) on July 23rd. This approval covers the 12 stations along the route, making the line ready to accommodate passengers. However, an official inauguration date has yet to be determined.

A source from Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) revealed that work related to the District Court metro station's CMRS approval is currently being undertaken. "There is a chance that Hinjawadi will connect directly to Shivajinagar when the metro opens," the source stated, which would offer commuters a more direct link between Hinjawadi's IT hub and central Pune.

While the full Line 3 is a 23-kilometer elevated corridor with 23 stations, the project has faced several delays. Initially, the first 12 stations were expected to open by July, but this did not happen. The July launch target was also missed as the project awaited mandatory CMRS approval, which has now been secured. The project developers expressed their eagerness for a high-profile inauguration, and having Prime Minister Modi inaugurate the line would be the most prominent possible launch.