India, June 19 -- Delays in the construction of Pune Metro line 3 have led to an around 20% increase in project costs, with the concessionaire set to bear the additional burden. Amid concerns over the prolonged delay, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has postponed the launch schedule of the first phase to the end of June following instructions from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Officials said that the first phase of the project, covering a 13.3 km stretch between Maan and R K Laxman Museum station in Balewadi, is fully ready for operations. The section comprises 12 stations and has received all mandatory clearances from the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS).

The 23-km elevated metro corridor connecti...