PMRDA (Pune Metropolitain Region Development Authority) is likely to postpone the launch of much-awaited metro rail service from Maan Village via Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar citing more time required. As per the reports the operation of this metro will start next year for public. After two routes Vanaz to Ramwadi and Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate, the third route was scheduled to become operational in April this year, but it was given an extension till September due to the work being incomplete. The 24-km long elevated route will have 23 stations and provide direct connectivity from the city to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi.
PMRDA officer said to Indian express that, 85% of the Metro rail work is finished, and essential infrastructure for testing will be ready by the end of December. Metro services will begin after successful testing and safety approvals. While work speed has increased, the Pune University junction civil work will take longer. The double-decker flyover from Pune University to Agriculture College, with the Metro on the upper deck and road traffic below, is also in progress. Civic activist Vivek Velankar criticized the administration for delays impacting citizens.
Last year, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged PMRDA to accelerate work, particularly on the Shivajinagar to Aundh stretch of Ganeshkhind Road, during a site visit. The Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro is highly anticipated, expected to reduce reliance on private vehicles for commuters traveling to the IT park.
Following the completion of the Vanaz-Ramwadi and Pimpri Chinchwad-Swargate metro lines by Maha-Metro, attention turned to the Maan village-Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar route. This third line, developed by PITCMRL for PMRDA, was initially slated to open in April but was delayed until September due to incomplete work.