The Pune Metro Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar corridor has moved closer to passenger operations after five more stations received safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety, taking the total number of approved stations to 17 out of 23, according to a report by Lokmat – Pune. The remaining six stations are still undergoing the approval process.
The 23.2-kilometre corridor is designed to connect Hinjewadi’s information technology hub with Balewadi, Aundh, the University area and Shivajinagar. The line is expected to provide an alternative to road travel for thousands of employees commuting to Hinjewadi and passengers travelling between the western parts of Pune and the city centre.
The first operational section, between Maan and the R.K. Laxman Museum, covers about 13 kilometres. Twelve stations on this section had earlier received approval from the CMRS. The completion of safety inspections for five additional stations has now enabled the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority to prepare for possible services across 17 stations, subject to the completion of technical requirements prescribed by the safety regulator.
The project has faced delays since its announcement, with work and permissions taking longer than expected. Traffic management, land acquisition, station sites, approvals from multiple departments and construction-related difficulties affected the project schedule. These delays have increased the importance of the final safety clearances and the decision on whether passenger services will begin in phases.
A meeting between senior officials from the PMRDA and metro authorities was held as preparations for the project’s opening gathered pace. November 3 has emerged as a possible inauguration date, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reported to be the likely inaugurator. However, the date has not been officially confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office or the relevant authorities.
The key operational question is whether services will begin on the 17 stations that have received safety clearance or only after all 23 stations are ready. The remaining six stations must complete their approval process before the full corridor can become operational. The final inauguration date and the start of passenger services are expected to be decided at the senior administrative level after the required clearances and technical compliance work are completed.
