Pune: The city of Pune is set to get a major boost in its urban transportation network with the extension of Metro Line 3 taking shape. Connecting Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor, this new route aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across key areas of the city.
With the project on track for approval and funding from both the state and central governments, commuters can look forward to enhanced travel options, particularly benefiting Pune’s thriving IT sector. Here’s a closer look at the metro extension’s key features, timelines, and what it means for the city.
Pune Metro expansion routes
The long-awaited extension of Pune Metro Line 3 is set to connect Shivajinagar to Loni Kalbhor, marking a significant enhancement in the city’s urban transportation network. The project, which is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Pune’s eastern and southeastern corridors, will provide much-needed relief to commuters.
In addition to the Shivajinagar-Loni Kalbhor extension, the Maharashtra state government has also approved several other metro routes, including the Khadakwasla to Swargate line and its extension to Hadapsar. Plans are also in place for a spur line from Hadapsar to Kharadi.
The Loni Kalbhor extension will be managed by Maha Metro, which is already overseeing the Swargate to Loni Kalbhor and Saswad metro extensions.
Improved connectivity for IT hubs
The metro extension will strengthen connectivity between Loni Kalbhor, Hadapsar, and other key locations, benefiting Pune’s IT sector.
With better access to prominent IT hubs such as Hinjewadi and Hadapsar, the metro project is anticipated to drive regional growth and development in these areas.
Approval and development plans
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is set to approve the proposal for the extension work. Maha Metro (Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited) will execute the extension, with development plans already submitted by both PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority) and Maha Metro.
These plans are currently under review by the central government, which is expected to fast-track the approval process to facilitate the calling of tenders soon.
The total cost for the 31 km extension of Line 3 will be shared between the central and state governments. This joint funding ensures that the project is completed efficiently and effectively to benefit the citizens of Pune.
Project timeline
The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar section of Metro Line 3, which is being developed by PMRDA in collaboration with the Tata Group under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), is on track for completion by September 2025.
A review meeting involving Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is scheduled soon to discuss the project timelines.
Both PMRDA and Maha Metro have submitted plans for the metro routes, which will now be consolidated under the Pune Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA). This consolidation aims to streamline resources and ensure efficient management across all routes.
