Pune metro line three likely to be ready by April 2025.

The integrated flyover for Pune Metro Line 3, which spans 23 kilometers, is now expected to be completed by April 2025, according to sources from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Originally scheduled for completion by November this year, the deadline was later pushed to December. However, delays in the construction of critical components, including ramp and deck slabs, as well as the need for additional permits, will prevent the flyover from being fully operational until April 2025.

The flyover is a crucial part of the Metro project, and without its completion, the entire 23-km corridor from Maan to Shivajinagar cannot begin operations. "While work is progressing on the entire corridor, the project is expected to be finished only by the end of next year," an official stated.

Officials cited several challenges, including heavy traffic on the route, which has slowed the construction process despite regular review meetings to monitor progress. Issues related to obtaining various clearances, including right of way and the relocation of utilities, have also caused delays. Furthermore, permission to install steel girders at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk was delayed due to high traffic during the election period and the Diwali festival, further hindering progress.

"This is the main arterial road, and heavy traffic, along with VIP movement during the election period, prevented continuous work," said another PMRDA official. Proposed traffic diversions were also insufficient to alleviate the congestion.

Despite these setbacks, around 75% of the flyover construction has been completed. However, the deployment of heavy machinery was hindered during the election period, and ramp works in areas like Pashan, Baner, and around Raj Bhavan also faced delays due to pending permissions. Sources indicated that while the Metro stations between Maan and Balewadi Highstreet should be operational by April 2025, the major challenge remains the construction of stations along the University Chowk stretch, where road widening and the removal of electricity poles are required.

The government had earlier instructed the PMRDA’s concessionaire, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), to prioritize the completion of the flyover between SPPU and E Square junction by November. To expedite the process, traffic diversions and road widening were accelerated, and it was suggested that police allow round-the-clock work, including on public holidays.

In addition, the central government recently approved an additional ₹200 crore in viability gap funding for the project, bringing the total funding allocated to ₹600 crore out of the ₹1,200 crore expected for the project.

ET