Keolis awarded 10-year O&M Contract for Pune Metro Line 3

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark move set to redefine both urban mobility and gender representation in Indian transport, Keolis has been awarded a 10-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract by PITCMRL, a Tata-Siemens consortium, for the under-construction Pune Metro Line-3. This 23-km corridor, featuring 23 stations, will be the first metro line in India to be operated exclusively by women train pilots, marking a powerful shift towards inclusivity and innovation.

The metro line, being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, connects Shivajinagar’s central business district with Hinjewadi, Pune’s largest IT hub, employing over 150,000 professionals. With rapid residential and commercial growth along this axis, the corridor is poised to play a crucial role in easing traffic congestion, reducing commute times, and promoting sustainable, clean transit for Pune’s urban population.

Keolis will be responsible for the entire O&M scope, including 22 Alstom-manufactured trains, station management, ticketing systems, and service reliability. Notably, around 100 women will be recruited and trained as train operators, backed by safety measures, dedicated support systems, and secure commuting arrangements.

This move will establish Pune Metro Line-3 as a national model for gender-inclusive employment, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, lauded the initiative, “The decision to operate Pune Metro Line-3 exclusively with women is a pioneering step that challenges norms and empowers communities. It is a bold intersection of technology, inclusion, and sustainability—an example for cities across India and the world.”

Keolis brings global expertise, currently operating or preparing to launch nine metro systems in six countries, managing over 452 km of urban rail, including 330 km of automated, driverless metros. In India, it has been operating the Hyderabad Metro since 2017, which now ranks as the third busiest metro system in the country with nearly 500,000 daily riders.

Their proven track record in managing complex transit ecosystems, combined with their focus on passenger safety, technological excellence, and service innovation, positions Keolis as a strong partner in Pune’s urban transformation.

Project Overview

• Length: 23 km

• Stations: 23

• Trains: 22 Alstom trains

• O&M Partner: Keolis (10-year contract)

• Concessionaire: PITCMRL (Tata-Siemens)

• Unique Feature: 100% women-operated trains

The metro corridor is set to:

• Cut travel time between key employment zones

• Reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution

• Support economic growth by improving access to jobs and services

• Encourage public transit use through a modern, safe, and reliable system

• Set a precedent for gender diversity in India’s infrastructure sector

By combining sustainable mobility with social empowerment, Pune Metro Line-3 represents more than just infrastructure—it is a bold step toward a smarter, more inclusive city.