Pune Metro Line 3 (Line 3) is advancing towards commercial operations and will run on a 750-volt DC third-rail electrification system across its 23-km Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar corridor. The release stated that this will be the first deployment of such technology in the city and aligns Pune with other Indian metros that use third-rail power for dense urban networks. Line 3 was described as fully elevated and designed for high-frequency service.

Third-rail electrification delivers power via an additional conductor rail alongside the running tracks rather than overhead wires and masts. Collector shoes mounted under trains draw electricity from the conductor rail, removing the need for overhead equipment and reducing visual clutter along busy growth corridors.

The project will incorporate Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), an advanced digital signalling system that continuously exchanges information between trains and trackside equipment to determine train location, speed and movement in real time. The combination of third-rail power and CBTC is intended to enable shorter headways, higher passenger throughput and future automation upgrades.

The corridor links Hinjawadi's Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park with Wakad, Baner, Balewadi, University Circle and Shivajinagar, and trial runs have been completed across the full 23-km elevated route. Commissioning will proceed in phases, with the 13.3-km section between Maan and R K Laxman Museum comprising 12 stations to be operationalised first, followed by extension to the District Court for integration with the Maha Metro network.

The authorities indicated that the line has reached a final phase of readiness subject to statutory approvals and regulatory clearances. Once fully operational, Line 3 is expected to cut travel time between Shivajinagar and Hinjawadi to around 45 minutes from one and a half hours, reducing commute duration by more than 50 per cent and offering commuters more reliable and streamlined journeys.