A new metro line in Pune is set to cut travel time dramatically, connecting Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar. Once operational in March 2026, the journey that currently takes nearly two hours will take just 30 minutes, providing relief to thousands of commuters, especially IT professionals travelling daily to the city’s tech hubs.
The metro is part of India’s first public-private partnership for a metro project, marking a major step in improving Pune’s transport system. With traffic congestion increasing every year, the city’s roads have struggled to handle the growing number of vehicles, particularly in busy areas like Hinjawadi.
Metro Tests Are Complete and the Project Is On Track
Officials reportedly say the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar metro line has already
completed two successful trial runs. Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase inspected the project and confirmed it is on schedule for the planned March 2026 launch.
The metro will link Shivajinagar, the city centre, to Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, offering over 2.2 lakh professionals across 800 companies a faster and more reliable alternative to congested roads, as per reports.
Triple-Level Design to Ease Traffic
A key feature is the triple-level structure at Vidyapeeth Chowk, designed to manage traffic in one of Pune’s busiest intersections:
Bottom level: existing city roads for local traffic
Middle level: fast-moving flyover for vehicles
Top level: metro tracks for trains
The line will include 23 modern stations and 14 advanced trainsets, providing speed and comfort while allowing road traffic below to flow smoothly.
Metro Expected To Keep IT Workforce In Pune
Hinjawadi’s heavy traffic had some tech companies considering relocation. The metro is expected to save commuting time, helping retain the city’s IT workforce and supporting Pune’s status as a leading technology hub in Maharashtra.
According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2025, Pune remains one of the most congested cities globally, with an average speed of 18 kmph, slower than Mumbai’s 20.8 kmph. Pune ranks fifth, while Mumbai is 18th in the world.
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