Metro Ride, Higher Price : Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar fares nearly double existing rates

PPP model pushes Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro fares nearly double the existing network; fare structure to be reviewed after six months

PUNE : Commuters travelling on the upcoming Pune Metro Line 3 between Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar will have to pay significantly higher fares compared to the existing Pune Metro network. The proposed maximum fare for journeys exceeding 18 km has been fixed at ₹62, nearly double the current maximum fare of ₹35 on the existing Metro network.

The proposed fare structure has been determined in accordance with the concession agreement signed with the private concessionaire for the project. Under the revised fare slabs, passengers will be charged ₹12 for journeys up to 2 km, ₹25 for 2–4 km, ₹37 for 4–8 km, ₹43 for 8–12 km and ₹49 for 12–18 km. Journeys exceeding 18 km will cost ₹62.

Although the base fare for the first 2 km is ₹10, the calculated initial fare of ₹12.36 has been rounded off to ₹12 for actual collection. Fares under the remaining distance slabs have also been rounded to the nearest rupee.

PPP Model Cited to Justify Higher Fares

Explaining the difference in fares, Dr Abhijit Chaudhari, Metropolitan Commissioner of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), said the existing Pune Metro network was developed with government funding, whereas Metro Line 3 is being implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He said the fares for Line 3 had been determined in accordance with the concession agreement signed for the project. He also maintained that the proposed fares were not high compared to other Metro projects implemented under the PPP model.

Fare Structure to Be Reviewed After Six Months

Anilkumar Saini, Chief Executive Officer of IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), said the proposed fare structure would be reviewed after six months, following which an appropriate decision would be taken. He added that the company expects Pune Metro Line 3 to record a daily ridership of approximately 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh passengers.

Existing Metro Maximum Fare at ₹35

At present, the existing Pune Metro network charges a minimum fare of ₹10 and a maximum fare of ₹35. According to its published 2026 fare structure, passengers pay ₹20 for journeys between 2 and 4 km, ₹25 for 4–8 km and ₹30 for 8–16 km, with fares increasing according to the distance travelled. With the proposed maximum fare of ₹62, commuters using the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar corridor could pay nearly 77 per cent more than the highest fare on the existing Pune Metro network.

The higher pricing is likely to draw attention from daily commuters as the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar corridor prepares to commence passenger services. While the PPP concession agreement has determined the proposed fare structure, the six-month review will be crucial in assessing its impact on ridership and commuter affordability.