Pune to get third metro corridor by December 2024, 50 percent work completed

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Rahul Mahiwal provided a positive update on the progress of the third Metro line from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar. According to Mahiwal, approximately 50% of the construction work has already been completed, and the entire project is anticipated to be finalized by November next year. The recent allocation of Rs 410 crore by the Centre as part of the viability gap funding (VGF) is a crucial step in ensuring the timely execution of the elevated Metro line.

With a total anticipated funding of Rs 1,225 crore from the Centre, the PMRDA is looking forward to the smooth disbursement of the remaining amount, approximately Rs 815 crore, in the upcoming months. This timely financial support is expected to facilitate the seamless progression of the project. Emphasizing the adherence to the stipulated timeline, Mahiwal assured that there have been no significant delays in the execution of the third Metro line.

PMRDA's chief engineer, Rinaj Pathan, expressed optimism regarding the project's timeline. Pathan stated that the structural work is projected to be fully completed by November next year, paving the way for the commencement of trials from April 2025. Notably, PMRDA has actively pursued the release of VGF funding, and the recent disbursement marks a significant milestone in the project's progress. The state's contribution to the project involves leveraging land parcels to generate necessary funds, as elucidated by Pathan.

Pune Metro Line 3, spanning 23.203 km and linking Maan Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, is being executed through a collaborative effort under a public-private partnership framework. The project received clearance from the state government in February 2018, leading to the Consortium of TRIL Urban Transport Pvt Limited and Siemens Project Ventures GmbH being entrusted with the project's execution. The establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, has streamlined the management and execution of the project.

Following the signing of the concession agreement in September 2019, the project's construction officially commenced on November 25, 2021, as declared by PMRDA officials. In addition to the Metro line, the proposed double-deck flyover from the Savitribai Phule Pune University Chowk to E-Square junction is expected to be operational by August next year, further enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure.

In conclusion, the steady progress and effective collaboration between the government and private entities underscore the significance of the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line as a crucial step in Pune's urban development and transportation enhancement. With the targeted completion and operational timeline in sight, Pune residents can look forward to a more efficient and convenient public transportation system in the near future.