Govind Tekale
On August 27, 2025, Pune Metro Line 3 completed its first trial run beyond Hinjewadi, traveling from Maan Depot to Balewadi Stadium. This marks the first time a metro train ventured outside the depot into the main alignment of the route.
The metro’s journey beyond Hinjewadi represents a key step for the project. A PITCMRL official confirmed, “The metro ran from the Maan depot to the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge-Balewadi. This marks the first time the metro has traveled outside the Hinjewadi area, as the three previous trials were all within the Hinjewadi limits.”
During the trial, engineers monitored track performance, signaling systems, and braking capabilities. The train reached 40 km/h – a carefully controlled speed for this testing phase.
The Line 3 trains use technology specifically suited for Pune’s needs. The system runs on a 750V DC third rail system, with trains designed for a maximum speed of 80 km/h and an average operational speed of 34 km/h.
Each three-car Metropolis train can carry up to 1,000 passengers. PITCMRL has ordered 22 train sets, with each set consisting of three cars. The trains feature modern design and energy-efficient systems for sustainable operations.
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The 23.3 km fully elevated corridor with 23 stations will connect Hinjewadi’s IT hub with Shivajinagar’s Civil Court, significantly reducing travel time between these locations. The line, nicknamed “Puneri Metro,” was approved by Maharashtra’s state government for implementation as a public-private partnership (PPP) on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis.
Currently, construction is 87% complete. The initial 13 km stretch between Hinjewadi and Civil Court is expected to open by September 2025, with full commissioning targeted for March 2026.
Line 3 follows a different implementation model from other Pune Metro lines. This is the first urban Mass Rapid Transit System project awarded by Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to a consortium of TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited (TATA Group) & Siemens Project Ventures GMBH under the Metro Policy 2017 in the Public Private Partnership mode.
Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), the special purpose vehicle, will develop and operate the system for 35 years, including the construction period.
The metro line addresses a critical transportation need in Pune. The Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi route is expected to improve Pune’s urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion in multiple areas, including Hinjawadi, Baner, Balewadi, Shivajinagar, and others.
The system will provide consistent travel times regardless of road conditions. For Pune’s IT sector employees and other commuters, this means more predictable daily schedules.
Following this successful run, the project team will analyze data before extending trials to additional sections. A senior PMRDA official stated, “We have achieved 87% progress in project completion and will continue with more trial runs along the stretch.”
Upcoming work includes completing the remaining infrastructure, conducting full-length trials, and testing integration with other transit systems before safety certification.
The Metropolis trains bring practical features to daily commutes. The power system includes the 750V DC third rail traction system for reliable operations. The coaches include air conditioning, wide doorways for faster boarding, spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, and information displays. Stations will have escalators, elevators, and accessible pathways.
