India, Sept. 28 -- The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro has acquired an unusual distinction even before carrying its first passenger. Its construction has progressed in stages, safety clearances have followed, more stations have become ready, but the start of passenger services has continued to move ahead on the calendar.

The 23.2-km Line 3, with 23 stations, was originally expected to be completed in March 2025. Several subsequent timelines were missed. In July this year, the planned opening of the first operational stretch was again delayed as the project awaited mandatory safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).

That clearance eventually came on July 23 for the first 12 stations. The authorisation was provis...