Fadnavis rides new Pune Metro stretch to Hinjewadi, speaks to schoolgirls and IT staff

Hinjewadi, November 3, 2026: A new stretch of the Pune Metro was inaugurated and the foundation stone for the second phase of the Pune Metro was laid. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis then travelled by Metro from Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, to Hinjewadi Phase 2. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar were with him.

Fadnavis bought the first ticket on the newly opened stretch himself, and then rode the Metro to experience the service.

During the journey, Pune Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar briefed the Chief Minister on the corridor, the stations and various features of the project.

Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Ravi Landge and PMRDA Commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari were also present. Elected representatives and senior officials travelled with them.

A special feature of the journey was that the Pink Metro was run entirely by a team of women train pilots. Lead train pilot Pragati Biradar drove the train, while train pilot Aishwarya Suryapujari also had an important role in the journey. It highlighted the growing share of women in modern public transport.

During the ride, Fadnavis spoke to schoolgirls and employees in the IT sector. He asked them about their experience of travelling by Metro, what facilities they get, and how the new line would help their daily commute.

The Chief Minister and other dignitaries covered the roughly six-kilometre distance to the Hinjewadi Phase 2 Metro station by Metro.

The journey after the inauguration of the new Metro corridor stood out for two reasons: the train was driven by women, and the Chief Minister chatted directly with female students and working people from different fields.