Pune: The wait for Pune Metro 3 continues, with the Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi corridor yet to begin passenger services despite receiving safety clearance for its first 12-km section.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granted approval around two weeks ago, raising expectations that trains would soon start carrying passengers. However, neither the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) nor Pune IT City Metro has announced a confirmed opening date.

Why are commuters still waiting?

The delay has attracted attention because some other Pune Metro sections began operations shortly after receiving CMRS clearance.

The District Court-Swargate section started passenger services just five days after getting safety approval, while the Ruby Hall Clinic-Ramwadi route became operational roughly two weeks after its clearance.

Metro 3 has now crossed the 15-day mark without a confirmed launch date, leaving commuters and IT professionals in Hinjawadi waiting for clarity.

Inauguration date remains unclear

The corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Hinjawadi's IT hub and central Pune, potentially reducing dependence on road transport.

However, the launch schedule remains uncertain. Major Pune Metro routes opened so far have been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prompting speculation about whether the timing of the inauguration could be influencing the delay.

There has been no official confirmation from PMRDA or Pune IT City Metro linking the operational delay to an inauguration programme.

Full corridor may take longer

The uncertainty also extends beyond the first phase. The complete Metro 3 project consists of 23 stations, and project timelines indicate that all stations are expected to be operational by December 31, 2026.

At some locations, work may continue even after passenger services begin. Temporary arrangements, including the use of a single staircase at certain stations, are reportedly being considered until the remaining infrastructure is completed.

The overall project deadline could potentially be extended until March 31, 2027.

For thousands of IT employees and daily commuters travelling between Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar, the Metro 3 corridor is expected to provide an important alternative to Pune's heavily congested roads.

For now, however, passengers are still waiting for one crucial announcement — the official date when Metro 3 will finally open its first phase.