CMRS issues safety clearance for commercial opening of first stretch of Pune Metro Line 3

Pune, India (Rail & Metro Today): The much-awaited Pune Metro Line 3 has moved closer to passenger operations after the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granted safety clearance for the first operational stretch between Maan and R.K. Laxman Museum in Balewadi.

The 12-station section has completed the required inspections and trial runs, marking a major milestone before the commencement of commercial passenger services. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), which is implementing the corridor, announced the safety approval following completion of the CMRS inspection process.

12-Station Stretch Clears Final Safety Hurdle

The safety clearance covers the initial section of the corridor and follows detailed inspections and trial operations. With the statutory safety approval now in place, the remaining steps towards commencing passenger services can proceed.

PMRDA said in a post on X, “Another giant leap towards history! Pune Metro Line 3 receives safety approval. The path to starting actual passenger services has now become much smoother.”

The opening of the initial section is expected to provide significant relief to commuters travelling through Pune's rapidly developing western corridor, particularly areas such as Hinjawadi, Wakad, Baner and Balewadi, which experience severe traffic congestion during peak hours.

23.2-Km Metro Corridor to Connect Maan with Civil Court

Pune Metro Line 3 is a 23.203-km elevated metro corridor connecting Maan in western Pune with Civil Court in central Pune. The corridor comprises 23 stations and is designed to improve connectivity between major residential, commercial, educational and employment centres.

The planned stations include Maan, PMR-2, PMR-3, PMR-4, PMR-5, PMR-6, Hinjawadi, PMR-8, Wakad Chowk, Balewadi Stadium, PMR-11, Ram Nagar, Balewadi Phata, Baner Gaon, Baner, Krushi Anusandhan, Yashada, Savitribai Phule Pune University, R.B.I., Agriculture College, Shivaji Nagar and Civil Court.

The corridor will provide direct metro connectivity to the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi, one of Pune's largest employment hubs.

₹8,313 Crore PPP Metro Project

Pune Metro Line 3 has an estimated project cost of ₹8,313 crore and is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The project follows a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework in accordance with the Centre's Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

Once fully operational, Line 3 is expected to significantly improve public transport connectivity across Pune's western growth corridor while reducing dependence on private vehicles and easing congestion on major roads.

Digital Ticketing and NCMC Integration

Passengers using Pune Metro Line 3 will have access to multiple ticketing and payment options. Stations will feature automatic ticket vending machines and manual ticket counters, with payments supported through cash, UPI, debit cards and other digital modes.

The corridor is also planned to support the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) from the beginning of operations. This will allow eligible commuters to use a common mobility card across Pune Metro Lines 1 and 2 and other compatible transport networks.

Pune Metro App to Integrate All Three Lines

The Pune Metro mobile application will initially provide a dedicated ticketing and information section for Line 3. Following the integration of all three Pune Metro corridors at Civil Court, the application is expected to provide a unified platform for booking tickets across the city's metro network.

With CMRS safety clearance now secured for the initial section, Pune Metro Line 3 has crossed a crucial regulatory milestone. The corridor's phased opening is expected to provide a faster and more reliable public transport alternative for thousands of commuters travelling between western Pune, Hinjawadi and the city centre.