Keolis has secured a substantial contract from PITCMRL, a Tata-Siemens consortium, to operate Pune Metro Line-3 for the period of 10 years. The metro line covers 23 km with 23 stations and will be India’s first to be operated exclusively by women train drivers. The project is poised to enhance sustainable transit mobility while improving inclusivity and economic growth.
Introduction:
Pune is a rapidly growing city with over 8 million residents, the city is focussing on accelerating advanced public transport solutions to boost urbanization and economic growth. In a major development, PITCMRL, a Tata-Siemens consortium, has awarded Keolis a 10-year contract to operate Pune Metro Line-3. This project is remarkable not only for its scale but also for its pioneering move in women-led train operations.
Project Overview:
Pune Metro Line-3 is currently under construction and will stretch over 23 kilometers, covering 23 stations across the city. Once operational, the line will connect key zones including the central business district of Shivajinagar and the IT hub in Hinjewadi, which employs over 150,000 professionals. The corridor is also witnessing rapid residential development, making it a critical intervention for reducing road congestion and improving connectivity.
Keolis, a global leader in metro operations, will mobilize resources to operate and maintain the line, which will include 22 Alstom-supplied trains, 23 stations, and the entire ticketing system, ensuring reliable and high-quality service for a period of 10 years.
A Landmark for Women Empowerment:
One of the most distinctive aspects of this project is the decision to operate Line-3 exclusively with women train pilots. About 100 women will be recruited, trained, and supported to serve as drivers. This initiative is unprecedented in India and reflects a major leap forward in promoting gender equality in the transport sector.
Key measures include:
- Comprehensive training programs for women recruits.
- Ongoing support to ensure successful long-term integration.
- Dedicated focus on their safety and well-being, including secure commuting arrangements to and from work.
This step not only breaks barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field but also sets a benchmark for inclusivity in urban transport worldwide.
Significance for Pune:
The metro’s Line-3 will play a transformative role in Pune’s urban mobility ecosystem. Currently, road congestion is a growing challenge as residential clusters and IT parks expand. The new line is expected to:
- Reduce travel times between Shivajinagar and Hinjewadi.
- Ease congestion by diverting commuters from overcrowded roads.
- Boost economic activities by improving access to employment hubs.
- Support sustainable development with energy-efficient transport solutions.
By offering modern, clean, and safe transit, Line-3 aims to significantly improve quality of life for ordinary citizens while reinforcing Pune’s status as a forward-looking metropolis.
Keolis’ Experience and Expertise:
Keolis is not new to India. Since 2012, it has been providing operations and maintenance (O&M) services to the Hyderabad Metro, a project led by L&T. Commercial operations began in 2017, and today, Hyderabad Metro is the third busiest network in India, carrying nearly 500,000 passengers daily.
This experience highlights Keolis’ ability to manage complex urban transit networks, ensure passenger safety, and deliver seamless travel experiences. The company has also demonstrated its capacity to manage large-scale events, such as cricket matches, while maintaining service reliability.
Globally, Keolis operates or is preparing to launch nine metro networks in six countries, covering nearly 452 kilometers of track. It is also the world’s leading operator of driverless metro systems, managing around 330 kilometers of automated lines. With this legacy, Keolis is well-positioned to ensure the success of Pune Metro Line-3.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model:
Line 3 of the Pune Metro is being implemented as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project. PITCMRL, the concessionaire for this 35-year project, has selected Keolis for O&M services for the first 10 years. This collaboration reflects a broader trend in India toward leveraging private sector expertise to enhance efficiency and innovation in public infrastructure.
Key Highlights of the Pune Metro Line-3 Project:
- Length: 23 km
- Stations: 23
- Trains: 22 (supplied by Alstom)
- Operator: Keolis (10-year contract)
- Concessionaire: PITCMRL (Tata-Siemens consortium)
- Unique Feature: All trains operated by women pilots
- Impact: Improved connectivity between business and IT hubs, reduced congestion, and inclusive employment opportunities
Conclusion:
Pune Metro Line-3 contract to Keolis is a significant step towards developing India’s urban mobility journey. The project not only provides sustainable and efficient transport, but also takes a vital move by employing only women train pilots and redefines inclusivity in public transit. It is expected to transform Pune’s connectivity and empower communities through modern, equitable mobility solutions.
Source: Keolis – Press Release | Images Credit: Keolis
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