Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro May Miss September 2025 Deadline, PMRDA Now Eyes 2026 Launch

Pune’s long-awaited Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro corridor, which promises to connect the bustling IT hub of Hinjewadi to the city center, is now expected to face further delays. According to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), the line may not be operational until sometime in 2026, missing its already revised September 2025 deadline.

Project Snapshot

• Route: 24 km elevated corridor

• Stations: 23

• Operator: Pune IT City Metro Rail Ltd. (PITCMRL) on behalf of PMRDA

• Original launch date: April 2025

• Current status: 85% complete

What’s Causing the Delay?

According to PMRDA officials (quoted in Hindustan Times), while a large portion of the work is done, key sections remain incomplete, particularly around Pune University junction, a critical stretch with complex civil engineering components.

The junction is part of a double-decker flyover—with metro tracks above and regular vehicular lanes below—spanning from Pune University to the College of Agriculture.
Officials say basic infrastructure for trial runs should be ready by December 2025, after which safety clearance and trial completion will determine the final launch date.

Voices of Concern

Civic activist Vivek Velankar expressed disappointment over the repeated postponements:

“Thousands of IT professionals rely on this corridor. Delays reflect administrative inefficiency. The public should not have to suffer because of it.”

What’s at Stake?

The Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro aims to:

• Reduce traffic congestion on Ganeshkhind Road
• Improve last-mile connectivity to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park
• Boost public transport adoption among daily commuters

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, during an earlier site visit, had directed the PMRDA to expedite construction, particularly along the Shivajinagar–Aundh stretch.

With over 85% of the work done, the metro line is inching closer to completion—but the delay into 2026 raises concerns about urban planning efficiency and commuter impact. Once operational, this corridor could reshape daily travel for Pune’s IT workforce—but only if it doesn’t remain stuck in a loop of shifting deadlines.