PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Pune Metro Line 3, Launches Phase-II Projects worth ₹13,500 Crore

Pune, India (Rail & Metro Today): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Pune Metro Line 3, also known as the Pink Line, and laid the foundation stone for the second phase of Pune Metro projects with an estimated investment of approximately ₹13,500 crore on November 3, 2026. The inauguration and foundation stone ceremony were held through video conferencing, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also participating in the event. The inauguration of Line 3, developed at a cost exceeding ₹8,300 crore, marks a significant milestone in Pune's urban transport development. The 23-km corridor connects Maan in the Hinjewadi area with the District Court Metro station in Shivajinagar, providing a direct public transport link to Pune's major IT and commercial hub. The combined investment in the inaugurated corridor and the new Phase-II projects is approximately ₹21,800 crore, reflecting the state's commitment to expanding mass rapid transit infrastructure in the rapidly growing metropolitan region. The 23-km Pune Metro Line 3 is expected to improve daily commuting for thousands of passengers, particularly employees working in the Hinjewadi IT hub. By connecting the technology and business district with Shivajinagar and the wider metro network, the corridor is expected to offer a more reliable alternative to road-based transport. The Pink Line is designed to integrate with Pune's existing metro system, enabling passengers to access key residential, commercial and employment centres through a connected public transport network. The corridor is also expected to reduce dependence on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion and help lower vehicular emissions. Improved connectivity to major employment destinations could further support Pune's economic growth while enhancing the overall urban commuting experience. Alongside the inauguration, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Pune Metro Phase-II, involving four proposed corridors under Lines 2A, 2B, 4 and 4A. The phase is estimated to cost around ₹13,500 crore and is intended to extend metro connectivity to several important residential, commercial and industrial areas. Lines 2A and 2B will together cover approximately 12.75 km. Line 2A will connect Vanaz with Chandani Chowk, while Line 2B will extend the existing east-west network from Ramwadi towards Vitthalwadi. Line 4 will span approximately 25.52 km between Kharadi and Khadakwasla, connecting important growth centres across eastern and western Pune. Line 4A will cover around 6.12 km between Nal Stop and Manik Baug. The proposed corridors will improve access to major locations such as Kharadi, Magarpatta, Hadapsar, Swargate, Manik Baug, Nanded City, Pune Cantonment and Warje. The Ramwadi–Vitthalwadi extension is particularly important for improving public transport access to the rapidly developing Kharadi and Wagholi areas. The Phase-II corridors are planned to integrate with the existing Pune Metro network and intercity bus services through key interchange locations, including Swargate, Nal Stop and Kharadi Bypass. The expansion is expected to improve east-west and north-south connectivity while providing better access to employment hubs, educational institutions, commercial centres and residential neighbourhoods. The integration of metro services with other modes of public transport will also be important in encouraging a shift towards sustainable mobility. With the inauguration of Line 3 and the launch of Phase-II works, Pune is moving towards a significantly larger urban rail network. The projects are expected to play a central role in addressing the city's growing mobility requirements, reducing road congestion and supporting more balanced urban development. The next major challenge will be timely execution, effective multimodal integration and ensuring convenient last-mile connectivity so that the expanded metro network delivers its full benefits to commuters.