India, June 11 -- The first phase of the much-awaited Pune metro line 3 connecting Maan-Hinjewadi and Baner (Ramnagar) is expected to be opened to passengers by July 15 while the corridor will be extended up to Shivajinagar by August 15; Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Dr Abhijit Chaudhari announced on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference at the PMRDA headquarters, Chaudhari said that the 12-station stretch between Maan and Baner is nearing completion and will undergo safety inspections by the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS) between June 15 and 20. Based on the inspection report, the metro service is expected to begin operations by the end of June or by mid-July.

"The work on metro line 3...