Pune: The first phase of the Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 with 12 stations is likely to begin operations by June.The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is looking to complete the works by May-end and rollout in June, officials told TOI on Wednesday, after a recent review meeting taken by newly appointed commissioner Dr Abhijit Chaudhari.Officials said while 12 stations were expected to be ready by the end of May, work on the remaining 11 stations was progressing simultaneously. The entire 23.2km elevated corridor would likely be fully operational by Sept.The remaining stations were being delayed because construction of entry and exit points and associated passenger access infrastructure was incomplete. “We have directed the concessionaire, Tata group, to speed up the work and ensure operations within the given timeline,” officials told TOI.Metro Line 3, crucial for commuters travelling to and from Hinjewadi IT Park, is in its final stage. Around 94.2% of the overall project work is complete. Signalling technical trials are underway currently, with other inspections done.Meanwhile, Chaudhari has reviewed the construction quality, technical bottlenecks and station readiness, while instructing contractor companies to speed up the remaining work. PMRDA officials said priority was being given to completing station access, passenger facilities and operational systems for public use by June.The Metro is expected to reduce traffic congestion on the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar corridor once operational. It will ease the commute for thousands of IT employees, who spend long hours in road traffic currently.Chaudhari said, “Our target is to complete the first phase of 12 stations by May-end. We have conducted an on-ground inspection of all stations and instructed officials to accelerate the work. PMRDA will extend all necessary support.”As per directions of CM Devendra Fadnavis, the project is being executed in mission mode — with a focus on accelerating civil and systems work without compromising on safety and quality.Commuters awaiting an April opening said they are tired now. “We do not expect the operations to begin by June as the works will be delayed during the monsoon,” said Manoj Rao, an IT professional.
