Pune, August 17, 2023: With an aim to cater to the rising demand for extended routes and increased ridership on existing ones, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is making significant strides in expediting the development work of the 23.2-km-long Metro Line 3 project. This transformative project will seamlessly connect Mann village through Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, ushering in a new era of convenient and efficient public transportation for Pune residents.
Currently, Pune Metro rail services have been witnessing a surge in ridership, propelling the need for expanded routes and improved connectivity. Recognizing this, the PMRDA has taken significant steps to fast-track the development of the Metro Line 3 project, which holds the potential to transform commuting patterns across the city.
“The civil work of Metro Line 3 from Maan to Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is progressing rapidly, with approximately 40 percent of the work completed. We are accelerating the pace of work, driven by the directions provided by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during his recent project review,” shared PMRDA Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal.
The ongoing endeavor also encompasses the construction of a double-decker flyover on Ganeshkhind Road, a project undertaken by PMRDA in conjunction with the Metro Line 3 initiative. The flyover is designed to accommodate the Metro on the upper level and vehicular traffic on the lower level. The PMRDA is committed to completing this ambitious flyover three months ahead of the initial deadline of November next year.
With an eye toward continued expansion, both the PMRDA and Maha-Metro are considering the development of a route connecting Shivajinagar to Hadapsar. The ultimate decision on this route’s development lies with the state government.
The PMRDA is overseeing the development of the 23.203-km Pune Metro Line 3 project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The project’s implementation is being entrusted to Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, a joint venture of TRIL Urban Transport Pvt Ltd and Siemens Project Ventures, operating under the ‘Design-Build-Operate-Finance-Transfer’ model. The agreement for this project was signed on September 21, 2019, with the original plan to commence operations by March 2023.
However, the agency’s appointment for the project was finalized on November 25, 2021, due to the necessary land acquisition process. Consequently, considering the project’s actual initiation in 2021, the revised operational deadline is projected to be March 2025.
Once operational, the Metro Line 3 is anticipated to transport around 30,000 passengers per hour during peak hours, facilitating smoother travel between the Information Technology Park in Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar. This development is poised to significantly alleviate the prevalent traffic congestion on routes leading to Hinjewadi.
The journey on the Metro Line 3 will cover 23.3 km in under 40 minutes, connecting Mann metro depot through Hinjewadi Park to Civil Court in Shivajinagar. This substantial improvement over the current hour-long road commute is set to provide enhanced convenience and efficiency to commuters. The route will include 23 stations, linking key areas like Baner Road, Balewadi, Aundh, and Pune University.
With an estimated cost of Rs 8,100 crore, the Metro Line 3 is a PPP model project with an initial concession period of 35 years. Furthermore, this line will establish a connection with the already operational Vanaz-Ramwadi route and the upcoming Pimpri Chinchwad-Swargate route, enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the city.
As Pune’s Metro network continues to evolve, with new routes and extensions being planned, the city is poised to experience a significant transformation in its public transportation landscape. The concerted efforts of the authorities, combined with innovative design and effective execution, are paving the way for a more connected and accessible Pune.
