Tracking 3 years of Pune Metro

A congestion-free commute in Pune has started to feel like a distant dream. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, it takes at least 30 minutes to travel 10km on any given day in the city, highlighting the increasing congestion concerns for commuters.
However, the same distance takes mere minutes if one chooses the Pune Metro as their choice of transport. And yet, even this experience is not without its challenges.
As Pune Metro completes three years since the launch of operations of its Phase 1 routes —Vanaz-Garware and Phugewadi-Swargate — citizens have praised the overall experience. At the same time, these users are strongly questioning the lack of parking and last-mile connectivity, asking how much more time it will take for these to be resolved.
Meanwhile, extensions to current routes have been announced simultaneously, while proposals for new ones have been sent to Centre for approval. TOI delves into Maha Metro's journey since 2022.
The First/Last Mile Issue
The prevalent issue of missing last-mile connectivity is a major hindrance for many in opting for the Metro for their daily travel.
While feeder buses exist, commuters say these are either infrequent or awareness around them is severely lacking.
To resolve this, Maha Metro — in addition to a tie-up with PMPML for feeder buses —has also launched an e-bike feeder service on a pilot basis recently.
An MoU has been signed with TS Switch E-Ride, a Nagpur-based company that provides e-scooters for daily commutes. In the first phase, 50 e-bikes will be made available across 10 stations, including PCMC, Dapodi, Shivajinagar, Mandai, Swargate, Ruby Hall Clinic, and Vanaz.
Initially, the service will operate between Metro stations and locations where secure docking stations can be set up.
"The service will feature enhanced safety, seamless operation, live tracking, customer support, and geo-fencing. In the future, this service will be integrated into Pune Metro's digital platform (mobile app) for easier access. Dedicated battery charging stations (plug-in and swapping) will be installed at the respective Metro stations," said Hemant Sonawane, executive director (administration & public relations) at Maha Metro. Fares for e-bikes start at Rs1.5 per minute, Rs55 per hour and go to Rs450 for 24 hours.
‘Huge Scope For Improvement'
A range of infrastructure-boost is the need of the hour for Metro — from pedestrian access to last-mile connectivity, security revamps and added amenities like parking spaces and skywalks — strategist Nishit Kamath told TOI. The transportation systems designer leads the Pune Traffic Mitigation Initiative on behalf of the Pune Platform for Collaborative Response and Top Management Consortium Foundation, in collaboration with Pune traffic police.
The expert explained, "I believe in the validity and requirement of the Metro and its scalability in Pune, provided it works in tandem with other multi-modal options that can allow for access and usage across the entire city."
He added, "I travel between the Kalyaninagar and the Pune railway station areas by Metro — my experience has been quite pleasant. It is clean and quiet. The platforms are spaced out, there are indication decals on the flooring for how to stand, and videos within the train display Metro-use etiquette. However, there are some changes that will improve the existing system."
Suggested changes
- More skywalks aligned under Metro routes — with perhaps some regulated and licensed vendors allowed on them — to create safe walking spaces
- At present, the entry and exit points of Metro infrastructure are not very passenger friendly. Hordes of autorickshaws often block these spots. Spaces supposedly reserved for fire engines (like the Kalyaninagar exit next to IndusInd Bank) are undesignated, leading to haphazard vehicle parking creating blocks. This leaves commuters waiting for shuttles standing on the road in pickup locations
- First- and last-mile transport is harrowing. To increase ridership, Metro must focus on supporting neighbourhood transport-sharing services — like Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN) is exploring in their area. This makes the Metro experience seamless and reduces reliance on private vehicles
- In case of a loss of system operation or power, an option to pay with UPI must still exist so that those who do not carry cash can pay for a ticket; or a measure needs to be invoked that travellers from a particular station at that point are given transit passes or tags to cover for the inconvenience and retain mobility. This will boost the trust factor in users
- Security personnel must be trained to use machinery they monitor. Many do not completely comprehend the equipment, which could lead to unnecessary shutdowns and delays/inconvenience for commuters
- Feeder services should be combined with Metro services with one-point access to streamline how many tickets to purchase at each multi-modal transit switch point. This can be done with a simple UX addition on the app and will increase ridership
- Metro can review sound generated by trains as it causes discomfort to residents and commercial establishments near tracks. Solutions must be explored to buffer muffle the screeching without high maintenance sound barriers
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In conversation with Hemant Sonawane, Executive director (administration, rolling stock & public relations),
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corp Ltd
‘New routes will ease connectivity hassles'
Q: What is the status of the Phase 1 extension lines and new proposed routes?
HS: The PCMC-Nigdi and Swargate-Katraj routes have already been approved; the tender process is ongoing. Another DPR for Ramwadi-Metro and Vanaz-Chandni Chowk routes has been approved by PMC and state govt and is now with Centre for a nod. The Khadakwasla-Kharadi route via Swargate and Nal Stop-Warje route have also been proposed in Phase 2.
Q: What is Pune Metro's biggest challenge at present?
HS: First and last-mile connectivity is undoubtedly our biggest challenge now. However, as routes get developed and more feeder buses and initiatives like e-bikes are launched, this too will be resolved. PMPML feeder bus services are already operational in several areas. Plans are also in place to introduce new routes.
Currently, we are preparing the DPR for launching 500 buses across 30 stations. While the Switch E-bikes facility was launched just last week, the number of stations where they are available will also rise once we see the commuters' response. We have tied up with certain auto rickshaw unions to start share-an-auto services, but the response has not been good. In addition, one can also book an auto in advance via the Metro app by scheduling it to their arrival time.
Q: A big complaint from many Metro users is the lack of parking spaces — an alternative solution to last-mile connectivity problems. What is being done?
HS: We have provided parking at eight stations where land was made available to us. We have also written to PMC and PCMC to jointly develop more parking spaces. With a daily average ridership of 1.6 lakh, which is bound to rise, providing parking for a high flow of commuters is challenging. But we are working on it via more tie-ups and feeder buses.
Q: Security concerns are rife after the recent Swargate ST depot rape case. What are the security measures Pune Metro has in place?
HS: CCTV surveillance covers maximum areas of each station, including concourses, platforms, lifts, and entry/exit points. Every Metro coach has four cameras, ensuring real-time monitoring and recording. Each coach has four panic buttons near the door that allow passengers to communicate directly with the train operator in case of emergencies. The train operator relays issues to the Operations Control Centre (OCC) for necessary action. Stations are well-lit throughout operational hours, utilizing natural light during the day and electric lighting as needed to ensure enhanced visibility and passenger safety.
In addition to this, there are baggage scanning machines and metal detectors to screen passengers and their belongings at every station. We also have dedicated emergency buttons on platforms, and trained security staff, including women personnel, stationed across the premises for enhanced vigilance.
Commuters Say
I was one of the initial users of Pune Metro and my experience has been great. I am from Kolkata and accustomed to travelling by the Metro there. It is truly a blessing. It would be a good idea to stop allowing food items on the platform and in the trains to prevent littering. Lately, there has been a stench in the 6.15am train from Bopodi to Garware, probably due to rotting discarded food. Also, commuters should be given preference while using lifts at the stations. For me, it is a daily tug of war with the Metro staff and guards — Rimli Basu | Professor
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I love that I can carry my cycle on the Metro. It saves me both time and money on last-mile travel. I also like simply scanning my pre-paid card while entering or exiting any station. This allows for flexibility as I can change my mind and extend my trip ahead of the previously planned station. However, I am disappointed that the trains are slower than most other cities. This is largely because of the unnecessary turns they make, especially in Kalyaninagar — Jaideep Baphna | Ecologist
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I travel on both the PCMC-Swargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi routes for work and otherwise. The ability to carry my cycle aboard is very convenient. Metro is the ideal choice for longer trips. The authorities must also look into starting return tickets for a more seamless experience — Ashish Pol | Businessman and Sahakarnagar Resident
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Metro travel is a wonderful experience that makes commuting to core city areas hassle-free. It is the easiest way to avoid traffic and save fuel. Getting the Wagholi and Chandni Chowk routes started is the need of the hour. We also need more feeder buses at Vanaz and Ramwadi stations — Sukumar Patankar | Bavdhan Resident
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I have been using the Metro, and it has been a convenient and time-saving experience. The coaches are clean and well-maintained, the trains on time and the ticketing system efficient. It is good to know that connectivity to key areas is enhanced. However, there's room for improvement in last-mile connectivity. There are limited feeder services like buses or e-rickshaws and designated parking zones, acting as a deterrent for many. Also, better signages and digital updates could aid first-time users in navigating stations. We must also add relevant shops, ATMs and ad boards for Metro to earn extra passive income — Ashutosh Sathe | Entrepreneur
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Metro is a boon for Pune, but something must be done about the irksome behaviour often witnessed at stations. Simple things irresponsible users do, like not standing on the side to let passengers alight first before entering the train themselves, can really ruin the experience — Ketan Tendulkar | Software Architect
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I am a fan of the Metro for the convenience offered while travelling between Kalyaninagar and Deccan or Kothrud. The trip is in AC, traffic-free and often picturesque. But last-mile connectivity to and from Metro stations must improve. Also, I would love to see pets allowed on the Metro, with the onus of cleanliness on their humans. More F&B options on platforms would be another good addition — Ranjan Rajgopaul | Digital Storyteller
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The Metro is a great addition to the city's public transport. I am a satisfied frequent user. The staff is helpful and courteous, too. However, some small mentality changes in users would increase ridership. In terms of improvements, there are insufficient exit lanes at some stations like Kalyaninagar, leading to large lines while exiting. Better signage is needed to help with directions for interchanges, especially at Swargate and Civil Court. The number of coaches and/or frequency can be increased during peak hours, too. Outside many stations, haphazard parking on footpaths makes access difficult, and unauthorised vendors add to the mess — Anand Karwa | Strategic Finance & Management Consultant