Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has stepped up efforts to improve last-mile connectivity along the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar corridor ahead of the launch of Phase 1 of Metro Line 3 next month. Officials said dedicated foot overbridges (FOBs) were being constructed to link Metro stations with major employment hubs.One such FOB is in an advanced stage, with structural work largely complete and finishing touches in progress. According to PMRDA, the facility will offer direct pedestrian access between the Metro and a key IT hub, reducing dependence on road-based travel and improving commuter convenience. “Connectivity to one of the IT hubs is ready for use. Work on others is on. We are aiming to extend similar access to more IT hubs,” PMRDA commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari said.The 23km Metro Line 3 corridor, stretching from Maan-Hinjewadi to Ramnagar (Baner), includes 12 stations and is expected to be completed by June-end, subject to final safety clearances. Operations are likely to begin next month.The officials emphasised that the project had been designed with a strong focus on seamless last-mile connectivity. The corridor will feature pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like walkways and FOBs, along with feeder bus services and dedicated pickup and drop-off points for PMPML buses, taxis and autorickshaws. Facilities for bicycles and e-rickshaws, along with parking spaces for two- and four-wheelers, will also be available wherever feasible. Integration with app-based mobility services is part of the plan.“These initiatives aim to ensure seamless multimodal integration and better last-mile connectivity, making Metro travel more convenient and encouraging a shift away from private vehicles,” PMRDA chief engineer Rinaj Pathan said.PMRDA seeks Metro Line 3 contract extension till March 2027PMRDA has moved to extend its concession agreement with Tata-Siemens for Metro Line 3 till March 2027, while stipulating that the full 23-station corridor must be operational by Dec 2026. PMRDA commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari told TOI that a proposal for the extension had already been submitted to state govt.The original agreement, signed for the period from Nov 2021 to March 2026, is now proposed to be extended by a year. “We have sought an extension till March 2027, but the concessionaire has been instructed to complete and operationalise all 23 stations by Dec 2026,” Chaudhari said.He said the current proposal did not include a penalty clause, noting that a decision on penalties would be taken later based on progress and completion status. According to Chaudhari, inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the first phase are expected by June-end, following which commercial services on the initial 12 stations can begin by mid-July.In the second phase, four additional stations, including Shivajinagar and Civil Court, are set to be opened. By Aug, operations are expected to cover most of the corridor, with only seven stations pending completion. These remaining stations are scheduled to be ready by Dec-end. “The extended concession period will allow the concessionaire to wrap up any residual civil works, if required,” Chaudhari added.
