Pune: The Congress has demanded the immediate commissioning of the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar Metro line to provide relief to IT professionals and daily commuters grappling with severe traffic congestion.“Although the first phase of the project has received safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), the service is yet to become operational. The authorities should commence train operations immediately for the benefit of the public instead of delaying the launch for an official inauguration ceremony,” said senior Congress leader and former MLC Mohan Joshi.Joshi said the project had already missed its original March 2025 completion deadline, forcing commuters to endure long traffic delays caused by narrow roads and potholes in the IT hub. He urged the administration to prioritise public convenience and address the area’s traffic problems without further delay.According to Metro officials, the first phase of the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro route was expected to begin operations by July 15, but the deadline was missed. Commercial services are planned to start on the 12-station stretch between Maan and Balewadi in the first phase.The 23-km Metro corridor has missed five completion deadlines. In March, the state govt opted for a phased rollout, prioritising the Maan-Balewadi section for a July 15 launch, while the remaining 11 stations were scheduled to open at a later date.
