Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Pune is playing an important role in shaping the vision of a developed India and that the expansion of the metro network is accelerating the city’s development. The metro has given Pune a new identity by providing citizens with modern, efficient and high-quality public transport facilities, which are also contributing to the city’s economic growth. The Prime Minister extended Diwali greetings to the people before addressing the gathering.
The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the much-awaited Hinjawadi-Maan to Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 by flagging off a metro train. The service will be open to passengers from November 4, 2026. He also virtually performed the foundation stone-laying ceremony for four new Pune Metro Phase-II corridors: Vanaz to Chandani Chowk, Ramwadi to Vitthalwadi, Kharadi to Khadakwasla and Nal Stop to Manik Baug.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal attended the programme virtually. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar were present.
The Prime Minister said that metro services are now operational in 26 cities across the country, with the total metro network expanding from approximately 248 kilometres to more than 1,200 kilometres. Over one crore passengers travel by metro every day. Maharashtra alone has around 175 kilometres of operational metro network. He further stated that the Central Government has undertaken extensive infrastructure development in the energy, road and railway sectors over the past twelve years to achieve the goal of a developed India.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Maharashtra Government is committed to expanding the metro network and strengthening public transport facilities through various metro projects. Around 120 kilometres of additional metro corridors will provide citizens with modern, safe and environment-friendly transportation. He added that metro projects would not only reduce travel time but also boost trade, industries, employment opportunities and economic activity. An investment of approximately Rs. 5,000 crore would give a significant boost to the urban economy. He expressed confidence that the metro would become a new engine of urban development.
The Hinjawadi-Maan to Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is 23 kilometres long and has 23 stations. In the first phase, passenger services will begin at 17 stations, while the remaining six stations will be opened in phases by January 2027. The Pune Metro project has received substantial financial investment. More than Rs. 8,300 crore has been spent on Phase I, while approximately Rs. 13,500 crore is expected to be invested in Phase II. The combined expenditure on both phases is estimated to exceed Rs. 22,000 crore.
A major feature of Metro Line 3 is that the entire metro service will be operated by women train operators. In addition, 30 per cent of the energy requirement will be met through solar power. The new metro corridor is expected to provide significant relief to IT professionals working at Hinjawadi IT Park, students and daily commuters. It will help reduce traffic congestion, save travel time and strengthen public transportation in Pune. The inauguration marks an important milestone in Pune’s infrastructure development and is expected to give fresh momentum to the city’s economic growth.
