Pune Metro Line 3 makes history with All-Women Train Operators under Keolis Contract

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a trailblazing move that champions women empowerment in urban mobility, Pune Metro Line 3 is set to become India’s first metro corridor operated exclusively by women train pilots. The 10-year operations and maintenance contract for the line, awarded to global operator Keolis by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), includes a unique mandate: all trains will be driven by women.

Dubbed ‘Nari Shakti of Puneri Metro’, the initiative marks a transformative step toward inclusive, safe, and progressive public transportation systems in India.

100 Trained Women Pilots to Lead the Way

A specially trained team of 100 women train pilots, largely from Pune and neighboring districts, has already completed a rigorous three-month training program, which included 200 kilometers of supervised driving under both day and night conditions.

“This isn’t just about running trains – it’s about inspiring the next generation of women to step into roles that were once seen as unconventional,” said Mr. Anil Kumar Saini, CEO of PITCMRL. “Our women train pilots symbolize resilience, discipline, and progress. They are setting a powerful example for Pune and for the nation.”

These women pilots have already proven their mettle during multiple successful trial runs between Maan Depot (Station 1) and Balewadi Stadium (Station 10). The initiative is supported with special emphasis on safety, well-being, and career development for the women staff.

Industry Applauds the Move

Reacting to the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director & CEO of Urban Infra Group, lauded the initiative as a beacon for future transit projects across India.

“Pune Metro Line 3 is setting a remarkable precedent by entrusting its operations to women. This isn’t just a milestone in mobility—it’s a statement on what modern India stands for: equality, opportunity, and progress. We hope to see more such inclusive leadership across metros in the country,” said Mrs. Shah.

Pune Metro Line 3 is a ~23 km elevated corridor that will connect the Hinjawadi IT hub with Shivajinagar’s central business district. It is being developed as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project under the aegis of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

The project is being executed by a Tata-Siemens consortium consisting of:

• TRIL Urban Transport Pvt Ltd (TUTPL) – Tata Group

• Siemens Project Ventures GmbH

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), has been formed to implement the project under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) model for a concession period of 35 years.

A National Model for Inclusive Infrastructure

The ‘Nari Shakti of Puneri Metro’ initiative not only paves the way for a more gender-inclusive workforce in urban transport but also sets a national benchmark for innovation in public sector operations.

By combining infrastructure development with meaningful social transformation, Pune Metro Line 3 reinforces the city’s reputation as a forward-looking, progressive urban center. With operations set to begin soon, this initiative will surely serve as a model for inclusive, safe, and efficient mass transit systems across the country.