Over 40 percent civil works completed on Pune Metro Line 3

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): Witnessing the robust ridership success on two Pune Metro rail routes, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has shifted into high gear to propel the construction of the ambitious 23.203-km-long Metro Line 3 project.

This vital Metro Line 3 weaves together Pune's vibrant IT hub of Hinjewadi with the bustling central business district of Shivajinagar. Encompassing a total of 23 stations, this expansive corridor will seamlessly connect key destinations including Baner Road, Balewadi, Aundh, and Pune University.

According to Rahul Mahiwal, PMRDA Commissioner, "The civil work of Metro Line 3 from Maan to Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is progressing with great momentum. Around 40 percent of the work has been completed, and we are intensifying our efforts. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently conducted a review of the project, emphasizing the need for expedited progress."

Metro Line 3 stands as a pioneering Public Private Partnership (PPP) venture, developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) framework. The project is overseen by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), a joint effort between Tata Group's TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited (TUTPL) and Siemens Project Ventures.

Valued at an estimated Rs 8,100 crore, this fully elevated Metro undertaking spans a concession period of 35 years, inclusive of the construction phase. The contract's inception took place on September 21, 2019, with the ambitious plan to commence operations by March 2023. However, land acquisition challenges led to the appointment of the implementing agency only on November 25, 2021, subsequently commencing construction in December 2021.

Given the initial 40-month timeline for completion, the revised projection places operational readiness at March 2025.

Metro Line 3 is poised to traverse the 23.3 km stretch in under 40 minutes, seamlessly connecting the Mann metro depot through Hinjewadi Park to Shivajinagar's Civil Court. Notably, this journey currently takes over an hour by road, underlining the transformative impact of the upcoming metro service in alleviating major traffic congestion en route to Hinjewadi.

Furthermore, the Pune Metro Line 3 will foster interconnectivity, as the Civil Court interchange station will be linked via a skywalk. This infrastructure will facilitate passenger movement onto the existing north-south corridor (Purple line) and east-west corridor (Aqua line).

The Purple line, spanning 17.5 km from Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate, and the Aqua line, covering 15.7 km from Vanaz to Ramwadi, are in the process of gradual activation, with full operational status expected by the end of this year.

As Pune's urban fabric evolves with the Metro Line 3's progress, the city anticipates a future marked by enhanced connectivity, efficient commutes, and a reimagined urban landscape.