STN: Pune Metro Line 3 is making history. It will be the first metro corridor in India operated entirely by women train pilots. This move is part of the 10-year operations and maintenance contract given to Keolis by Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL). The contract requires that all trains on this line be driven by women.
This initiative, called ‘Nari Shakti of Puneri Metro’, aims to make public transportation inclusive, safe, and progressive. It also encourages women to take on roles traditionally dominated by men.
100 Women Train Pilots Ready to Lead
A team of 100 women train pilots has been trained for this role. Most of them come from Pune and nearby districts. They completed a three-month training program.
The program included 200 kilometers of supervised driving. Pilots practiced under both day and night conditions.
“This isn’t just about driving trains,” said Mr. Anil Kumar Saini, CEO of PITCMRL. “It is about inspiring the next generation of women to take on unconventional jobs. These women show resilience, discipline, and progress.”
The pilots have already completed successful trial runs between Maan Depot (Station 1) and Balewadi Stadium (Station 10). Special attention is given to safety, well-being, and career growth for these women staff.
Industry Praises the Initiative
Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director & CEO of Urban Infra Group, welcomed the move. She said, “Pune Metro Line 3 is setting a strong example by entrusting its operations to women. This shows modern India’s commitment to equality, opportunity, and progress. We hope to see more metros follow this path.”
Pune Metro Line 3 Corridor Details
Line 3 is a 23 km elevated route. It connects the Hinjawadi IT hub to Shivajinagar’s central business district. The project is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
The construction is handled by a Tata-Siemens consortium, including:
- TRIL Urban Transport Pvt Ltd (Tata Group)
- Siemens Project Ventures GmbH
A special purpose vehicle, Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), manages the project under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) model for a 35-year concession period.
A Model for Inclusive Urban Transport
The ‘Nari Shakti of Puneri Metro’ initiative is more than a metro project. It sets a national example for gender-inclusive infrastructure. Line 3 combines modern transit with meaningful social change.
By hiring women for all train operations, the metro encourages diversity and equality. Once operations begin, this project will serve as a model for safe, inclusive, and efficient urban transport across India.
FAQ
A: Operations are expected to start soon, after completing final trials and safety checks.
A: 100 women train pilots have been trained for the line.
A: The metro corridor is approximately 23 kilometers long.
A: It connects Hinjawadi IT hub with Shivajinagar’s central business district.
A: Keolis, under a 10-year contract with PITCMRL, will operate the line.
A: Yes, Pune Metro Line 3 is the first metro corridor in India to be run entirely by women train pilots.
