India, July 28 -- Pressure is mounting on the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to commence passenger services on the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro Line 3 after the project received provisional authorisation from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) last week. The Congress has warned of a "massive agitation" if the service is not launched without further delay.

Former MLA and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Mohan Joshi said there was no justification for delaying the start of operations after the mandatory safety clearance had been obtained.

"The inauguration ceremony can take place later, but commuters should not be made to wait," he said.

"On July 23, the CMRS granted provisional auth...