This postponement marks another setback for the ambitious metro corridor, which has witnessed multiple revisions to its opening schedule over the past year and a half.

Officials involved in this project had earlier indicated that passenger services on the initial stretch could start by mid-June. However, the target is now expected to shift to July as final regulatory clearances remain pending.

The 23-kilometre elevated metro route is being developed to provide faster connectivity between the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar, one of the city's busiest transport hubs.

Authorities said civil and system-related work on the first operational phase has largely been completed.

The initial section, stretching between Maan and Ramnagar in Baner, includes 12 stations and is expected to form the first segment of the corridor to become operational.

Project officials estimate that more than 95% of the work on this phase has already been already finished.

Before commercial services can begin, the corridor must undergo inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), whose approval is mandatory for passenger operations.

PMRDA has reportedly looked for the required inspection, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

Only after receiving the safety clearance the trial work will be completed and a final inauguration date will be announced.

The repeated delays have frustrated thousands of daily commuters who travel between Pune city and the Hinjawadi IT hub.

The corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time and reduce the traffic congestion on one of the region's most heavily used routes once operational.

For now, however, commuters will have to wait a little longer before the much-anticipated metro line becomes a reality.

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