Pune Metro Delay: CM Fadnavis And Ajit Pawar To Review Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Line Timeline After Developer Seeks Extension

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will review the timeline for completing the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3, as the project developer has sought an extension until September 2025, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) reported The Economic Times.

The 23-km corridor, which was initially scheduled for completion by March 2025, has achieved 74 per cent progress. However, the integrated flyover segment, a critical component spanning from University Chowk to E-Square junction, is only 65 per cent complete. It was initially targeted for completion in December but is now projected to finish by March-end.

“Construction of ramp and deck slabs are still pending. We also need permissions for certain stretches, so the 1.7-km flyover work will not be fully completed until April 2025,” a source said adding, “The integrated flyover is a critical component. We cannot start operations without it.”

Heavy traffic along the route has been a significant hurdle, despite additional manpower being deployed to expedite construction. Delays in obtaining permissions for steel girder installation at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk, due to election-related traffic and Diwali congestion, further slowed progress.

Metro stations between Maan and Balewadi Highstreet are expected to be operational by April, but challenges remain for constructing stations along the University Chowk stretch, which require road widening and removal of electricity poles.

The Centre recently approved an additional Rs 200 crore as part of viability gap funding, bringing the total disbursed amount to Rs 600 crore out of a committed Rs 1,200 crore.

Fadnavis, as PMRDA chairman, and Pawar will discuss the revised timelines. Earlier, Pawar had instructed the project developer to expedite work and ensure 24x7 construction to meet deadlines. However, multiple clearances and utility shifting have consumed significant time, officials said.

Efforts to prioritise flyover completion from SPPU to E-Square junction by November, as previously directed, are ongoing. Traffic diversions and road widening measures aim to minimise inconvenience to commuters.