Mumbai, Oct. 29 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar, through video conferencing on November 3, officials of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) confirmed. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will attend the programme in person at Balewadi stadium.
The 23.3-km elevated corridor links Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi with Shivajinagar, a major commercial and administrative centre. Passenger services are planned to begin on the same day, with 17 of the route's 23 stations opening to the public.
PMRDA Commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari said the authority had been instructed to complete all arrangements for the launch. A meeting between PMRDA officials and representatives of the project company reviewed the corridor's readiness and the operational requirements for the inauguration.
Of the 23 stations, 17 have received clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). Inspections of two additional stations near Balewadi have been completed, while RBI, Simla Chowk, Mahabaleshwar Chowk and Baner stations are awaiting approval. The authority is also completing pending work at stations 13 and 14.
The programme is also scheduled to include foundation stone ceremonies for Line 4, linking Khadakwasla with Kharadi, and extensions of Line 2 from Ramwadi to Wagholi and Vanaz to Chandni Chowk. A Line 2-Line 4 link between Nal Stop and Manikbaug is also planned.
The corridor is being developed by PMRDA under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to improve connectivity between Hinjewadi and central Pune. A Rs. 4.26 bn plan covering road improvements, traffic management and last-mile connectivity in the information technology hub has also been approved. The formal announcement is expected after the model code of conduct for Legislative Council elections is lifted.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.