Puneri Metro: Construction of 80 per cent pillars of Pune Metro Line 3 completed

Pune, India (Metro Rail Today): In a commendable display of efficiency and determination, the Pune Metro Line-3 project, designed to link the IT hub of Hinjewadi with the central hub of Shivaji Nagar, is advancing at an impressive pace.

The most recent milestone in this ambitious endeavor is the near-completion of pier installation along the 22.3-kilometer corridor. Astonishingly, this remarkable feat has been achieved in just 17 months, showcasing the dedication and capability of the project team.

Out of the 923 pillars required for the project, a substantial 715 piers have already been successfully erected. The 715th pillar was installed on September 14th near Krishi Mahavidyalaya Chowk along Ganeshkhind Road. This momentous occasion also marks the initiation of the final phase of pier erection for the corridor.

The Pune Metro Line-3 project, spanning 23 kilometers, boasts a fully elevated corridor that connects the bustling IT hub of Hinjewadi with the central business district of Shivajinagar. Along its route, this corridor features 23 stations, serving critical areas such as Baner Road, Balewadi, Aundh, and Pune University.

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the Tata-Siemens partnership have joined forces to undertake the construction of Line-3. The corridor was awarded based on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and it is being developed under the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) framework by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL). PITCMRL represents a joint venture between Tata Group's TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited (TUTPL) and Siemens Project Ventures.

The project faced initial delays due to challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, with construction eventually commencing in March 2022. However, the subsequent progress has been remarkable.

In addition to the impressive pile erection work, the Pile Cap Work for the corridor has also reached its final stages, with 810 out of 923 pile caps now completed, as reported.

The new metro line is poised to serve a substantial population, offering a vital transportation link outside the city center. This network will connect emerging areas, benefiting nearly 300,000 daily commuters in Pune and providing much-needed relief from the perennial traffic congestion.

Moreover, the corridor will facilitate convenient transfers at the Civil Court interchange station, where a skywalk will connect passengers to the existing north-south corridor (Purple line) and east-west corridor (Aqua line).

The 17.5-kilometer purple line from Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate and the 15.7-kilometer Aqua line from Vanaz to Ramwadi are partially operational and are expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.

As the Pune Metro Line-3 project continues to gather momentum, it not only symbolizes progress in urban infrastructure but also signifies a brighter and more connected future for the residents of Pune.