Pune Metro Line 3 marks Ganesh Chaturthi with historic First Trial Run beyond Hinjewadi

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Pune’s much-awaited Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line marked a major milestone as the Puneri Metro ventured out of Hinjewadi for the first time, conducting its maiden trial run from Mann Depot to Station No. 10 at Balewadi Stadium.

The event, described as historic by officials, signals a new phase in the city’s metro development and brings Pune one step closer to realizing a fully operational Line-3 corridor, which will eventually span 23.3 km and include 23 stations between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar.

The trial was conducted using a three-car Metropolis train, unveiled by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). This marks the first significant movement of the trainset beyond the depot area, following the start of controlled trials earlier this June. The initial 13 km stretch, between Hinjewadi and Civil Court, is expected to open for public operations by September 2025, while full commissioning of the corridor is targeted by March 2026.

The train, which runs on a 750 V DC third rail system, is designed for a maximum speed of 85 km/h and an average operational speed of 34 km/h. With a capacity to carry up to 1,000 passengers, the Metropolis trains offer a modern and efficient transport alternative for Pune’s growing urban population.

The rolling stock and systems contract was awarded in 2021 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to a consortium comprising Alstom, Siemens, and Tata Projects. Aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the trainsets are being manufactured at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. So far, four of the 22 trainsets ordered have been delivered to Pune.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, congratulated the city on this milestone, stating, “The maiden trial run of the Puneri Metro’s Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar line is a proud moment for urban India. It showcases the strength of the PPP model, domestic manufacturing, and next-generation urban mobility. With every successful trial, Pune moves closer to a more connected, sustainable, and future-ready transport network.”

The Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line is expected to decongest critical road corridors, offer seamless East-West connectivity, and bring significant relief to daily commuters in Pune’s tech and business districts. Once operational, it will integrate with other Pune Metro lines at Civil Court interchange, forming a central mobility hub for the city.