Pune Metro Line 3 likely to open 17 stations on November 3

Pune’s long-awaited Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro corridor is expected to begin passenger operations on November 3, with 17 stations scheduled to open if final preparations proceed as planned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 23.3-km corridor virtually, while Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to attend the event in Pune. Balewadi Stadium has been identified as the venue for the programme.

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has instructed officials to complete preparations for the launch. However, the opening date remains subject to final confirmation, reported The Economic Times.

The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety has cleared 17 of the corridor’s 23 stations. Inspections have also been completed at two additional stations near Balewadi, with safety approvals expected shortly. Four stations — RBI, Simla Chowk, Mahabaleshwar Chowk and Baner — are still awaiting clearance.

The number of stations available to passengers will depend on the necessary approvals.

The corridor is designed to connect Hinjewadi’s IT parks with Shivajinagar, offering an alternative to road travel for employees and other commuters who face congestion on routes serving the technology hub.

The proposed inauguration follows repeated delays to the project. The launch is also expected to coincide with foundation-stone ceremonies for further Pune Metro expansion projects, including a proposed line between Khadakwasla and Kharadi and extensions to existing corridors.

The November 3 date should be treated as expected rather than formally confirmed.