India, Sept. 15 -- The long-awaited Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is likely to open for passengers by the end of September with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the service virtually.

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) plans to begin operations at 17 of the corridor's 23 stations, revising its earlier plan to open 12 stations in the first phase.

The move follows the commissioner of metro rail safety (CMRS) clearing the first 12 stations for passenger operations. The safety regulator is expected to inspect five additional stations next week, paving the way for the expanded service.

Abhijit Chaudhari, metropolitan commissioner, PMRDA, said the authority was working towards commencing passe...