Pune Metro line 3: First trial run conducted between Maan Depot and PMR04; 87% work completed; commercial operations to commence by March 2026

PUNE: A key step towards operational readiness, the Pune Metro Line 3 project, executed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) conducted its first trial run on Friday, between Maan Depot and PMR04 station.

The test run marks a significant milestone in the development of the city’s third metro corridor, which has now achieved 87% completion, said, PMRDA officials on Friday post the trial run.Chief engineer of PMRDA Rinaj Pathan said the trial run focused on internal system checks and verification of Schedule of Dimensions (SOD) compliance across the viaduct and station infrastructure. "These assessments are essential for ensuring safety and functionality ahead of further testing phases and eventual passenger operations,"she told TOI.

The 23.3-km fully elevated metro line, being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Tata Group-led Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd, will connect Hinjawadi IT Park with Shivajinagar. The project’s Appointed Date was announced on November 25, 2021, with commercial operations expected to begin by March 2026, added officials.Designed to offer faster, safer, and greener transportation options, the corridor will comprise 23 stations and integrate with Pune’s existing metro network through seamless interchanges.

Four metro train sets manufactured by Alstom have already arrived in Pune. Each train includes three fully air-conditioned coaches with a total passenger capacity of approximately 1,000. The trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h, powered by a 750V DC third-rail system. The route will use advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology for improved safety and operational efficiency.Officials further added that the successful completion of the first trial run signals strong momentum for the project, which aims to decongest city roads and offer a reliable mass transit option to thousands of daily commuters.