Pune Metro Line 3 has received provisional safety authorization for a 13-km, 12-station section between Maan and R.K. Laxman Museum, moving the corridor closer to passenger service.

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Photo: Pune Metro

Safety clearance covers the first 12 stations

The authorization issued on July 23⁠ by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety applies only to the initial elevated section terminating at R.K. Laxman Museum in Balewadi. Construction continues on the rest of the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar corridor.

The decision followed inspections conducted between July 5 and July 8, compliance submissions from Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited and a successful speed trial. The regulator reviewed safety assessments and approvals covering electrical equipment, fire protection, civil works, track, signalling, telecommunications and rolling stock.

The clearance authorizes passenger operations but does not establish an opening date. Officials expect the first phase to enter service in August after the remaining formalities are completed.

An earlier PMRDA launch plan⁠ targeted passenger operations by July 15, subject to CMRS clearance. The provisional authorization ultimately arrived eight days after that target.

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Trains cleared for operation at up to 80 km/h

Metro trains will be permitted to operate at a maximum speed of 80 km/h in Automatic Train Protection mode under the Communications-Based Train Control signalling system.

The approximately 13-km operational section has two elevated tracks and uses a 750-volt DC third rail for traction power. Automatic Train Protection supervises permitted train movements within the CBTC system.

Fire department no-objection certificates were obtained for all 12 stations. The reviewed documentation also included Independent Safety Assessor certification, electrical inspection approval and the required telecommunications licence.

Full corridor will connect 23 stations

The official project description⁠ lists Pune Metro Line 3 as a 23.203-km elevated corridor with 23 stations. Its estimated cost, including land acquisition and utility relocation, is Rs. 8,313 crore.

The project is being delivered through a design, build, finance, operate and transfer public-private partnership. TRIL Urban Transport and Siemens Project Ventures formed Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited to implement it.

Once the remaining section opens, the complete corridor will connect the Hinjewadi IT Park area with Shivajinagar via Balewadi. Until then, the CMRS authorization covers only the first operational section to R.K. Laxman Museum.

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