Pune Metro Line 3 to receive first 3-coach metro train in first week of June

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant step forward for Pune’s urban transit infrastructure, three coaches of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (PMRDA) metro line 3, which spans from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, are scheduled to arrive in the city by the first week of June. This development marks a pivotal milestone for the project, which aims to enhance the city's public transportation system and alleviate traffic congestion.

Upon their arrival, these metro coaches will undergo a series of rigorous tests and trials over the following month. This testing phase is crucial to ensure the coaches are fully operational and safe for public use. According to Umesh Mallawat, the executive engineer of PMRDA, “At present, we have completed 55% of the work on metro line 3. These coaches are expected to arrive in Pune next month. The first lot is of three coaches. Upon arrival, we will check at the metro depot to confirm their operational efficiency and safety.”

The production of these three metro coaches was completed at Alstom’s facility in SriCity, Andhra Pradesh. Here, they underwent a comprehensive inspection last month to guarantee they meet the necessary standards. With their arrival in Pune anticipated within the next 15 days, further evaluations will take place at the local metro depot. These evaluations are essential to confirm the operational efficiency and safety of the coaches, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements before the trial runs commence.

Stretching 23.5 kilometers, metro line 3 is a significant infrastructural project featuring 23 stations, including key locations such as Hinjewadi, Megha Police, Wipro Chowk, Shivaji Chowk, Wakad Flyover, Balewadi Stadium, Vidyapeeth Chowk, AIR Kendra, and Shivajinagar Court. This new transit route is designed to offer seamless and efficient transportation options to commuters, significantly reducing travel time between these critical areas. At Shivajinagar, the new line will integrate with the existing lines 1 and 2 of the Pune Metro, thereby enhancing connectivity across the city.

The metro line 3 project is being executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. In this collaboration, the Tata Group and Siemens have formed a special purpose vehicle (SPV), named Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, to drive the project to completion. This model leverages the expertise and resources of both public and private sectors, ensuring the efficient execution of the project.

To support the operations of metro line 3, a dedicated depot has been established on 55 acres of MIDC land in Hinjewadi. This depot will serve as the central hub for the maintenance and operational needs of the metro services, ensuring their smooth and efficient functioning. This facility is integral to the long-term sustainability of the metro system, providing necessary infrastructure for upkeep and management.

In April, workers from Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited initiated the launch of 8.5-meter-wide segments for the construction of a double-decker viaduct on metro line 3 along Ganesh Khind Road toward Pune University. This 1.6 km viaduct will connect Aundh Road and RBI Chowk, representing a significant milestone in the construction process.

To facilitate the rapid installation of girders and the construction of additional pillars for metro line 3, significant traffic route changes have been implemented since May 4. These changes are aimed at easing congestion between Veer Chaphekar Chowk (Agriculture College - Mhasoba Gate) and Shimla Office (IMD), as well as the surrounding areas. Such traffic management measures are crucial to maintaining urban mobility while construction activities are underway.

Over the past two years, significant progress has been made on the physical infrastructure of the Pune Metro. The erection of pillars for metro line 3 is now complete, setting the stage for the final phases of construction and testing. This foundational work is critical to bringing the project closer to its anticipated launch, signaling a new era in Pune’s public transportation.

The imminent arrival of the three coaches for Pune Metro’s line 3 heralds a new chapter in the city’s transportation landscape. With comprehensive testing and trials set to follow, the PMRDA is on track to commence trial runs soon, marking a significant stride towards the project's completion. As Pune prepares to welcome these state-of-the-art metro coaches, residents can look forward to a more efficient and connected commuting experience.