Pune Metro Line 3: PM Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro on November 3; 17 Stations to Open

PM Modi to Inaugurate Pune Metro Line 3 Virtually

Pune: Residents and IT professionals travelling between Hinjewadi and central Pune could soon get relief from daily traffic congestion, with Pune Metro Line 3 scheduled to be inaugurated on November 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro corridor virtually, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries are expected to attend the programme in person at Balewadi Stadium.

Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari said officials had been instructed to complete preparations for the November 3 event.

The proposed launch follows several delays that have left commuters waiting for the metro service to begin.

17 Stations Expected to Open in the First Phase

The 23.3-km elevated Metro Line 3 corridor connects Hinjewadi with Shivajinagar and includes 23 stations.

According to the report, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) has granted safety clearance to 17 of the 23 stations, allowing authorities to prepare for passenger services on the approved section.

Inspections of two additional stations near Balewadi have reportedly been completed, with clearances expected shortly. Four stations—RBI, Simla Chowk, Mahabaleshwar Chowk and Baner—were reported to be awaiting approval.

The opening of the remaining stations will depend on the necessary safety clearances and completion of outstanding work.

Major Relief Expected for Hinjewadi IT Employees

Hinjewadi is one of Pune's major IT and employment hubs, attracting thousands of employees who travel daily between the IT parks and different parts of the city.

Heavy traffic congestion during peak office hours has made commuting a major concern for IT professionals. The new metro corridor is expected to provide an alternative to road transport and improve connectivity between Hinjewadi and central Pune.

Sachin Londhe, president of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, said IT employees had been following up with PMRDA and metro authorities since July 2025 regarding the need to start services.

He also referred to the online petition titled Unclog Hinjawadi IT Park, launched in June 2025, which reportedly collected 39,000 signatures in 40 days.

Commuters have been urging authorities to make the metro operational at the earliest to reduce their dependence on congested roads.

Aaditya Thackeray Questions Delay in Metro Opening

The proposed inauguration has also drawn criticism over the time taken to start passenger services.

On Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned why commuters should have to wait for a formal inauguration when a section of the corridor had already received safety clearance.

He urged the state government to begin services on the approved stretch for the convenience of residents and organise a formal inauguration at a later date.

Thackeray also raised concerns about road conditions, traffic congestion and inadequate civic infrastructure in Hinjewadi.

The debate has highlighted commuters' demand for quicker access to public transport amid continuing traffic problems in the IT hub.

₹426-Crore Plan for Hinjewadi Roads and Traffic

Alongside the metro project, a ₹426-crore plan has been approved to improve roads, traffic management and last-mile connectivity in Hinjewadi.

The measures are intended to improve access to the IT hub and make it easier for commuters to reach metro stations.

The Metro Line 3 project is being implemented by PMRDA through a public-private partnership model. The corridor is expected to play an important role in strengthening Pune's public transport network and improving connectivity between the IT hub and the city centre.

Maha-Metro Phase 2 Groundbreaking Also Planned

Officials have also indicated that Maha-Metro will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its Phase 2 project during the programme at Balewadi Stadium.

The event is expected to mark another step in the expansion of Pune's metro network, although details of the programme and related announcements may be confirmed closer to the date.

When Will Pune Metro Line 3 Start Passenger Services?

The inauguration is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with 17 stations expected to open for passenger services.

However, the start of operations will depend on the required safety approvals and operational arrangements. The remaining stations are expected to become operational after the necessary clearances and work are completed.

For daily commuters travelling to Hinjewadi, the launch could provide an important alternative to road travel and help ease pressure on some of Pune's busiest routes.