While Maha Metro has introduced dedicated parking spaces for two- and four-wheelers at eight operational Metro stations, commuters are expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of parking facilities at crucial stations such as Vanaz, Garware College, Nal Stop, Deccan Gymkhana, and Ruby Hall. The lack of parking options is causing inconvenience for regular travelers, leading to calls for additional facilities at major stations.
The eight Metro stations currently equipped with parking facilities are PCMC, Sant Tukaramnagar, Phugewadi, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, Civil Court, RTO, and Ideal Colony. However, stations like Vanaz, serving as an originating point on the Vanaz-Ramwadi route, lack designated parking spaces, forcing commuters to park along roadsides and footpaths.
Saurav Patke, a frequent traveler from Vanaz Metro station, highlighted the challenges faced by commuters due to the absence of parking facilities. Similar issues persist at Garware College and Ruby Hall Clinic Metro stations, both witnessing substantial student footfall.
Commuters are not demanding extensive parking lots, but they emphasize the need for spaces accommodating at least 50 two-wheelers at each Metro station. This, they argue, would not only address the current inconvenience but also contribute to increasing Metro ridership. Suggestions have been made for a parking lot near Nal Stop station to cater to commuters from Kothrud, Karvenagar, and surrounding areas.
Maha Metro officials acknowledged the concerns and mentioned ongoing efforts to develop parking lots at additional stations. Acquiring land for parking proves challenging, as the two Metro corridors pass through already developed areas, leaving limited room for additional facilities. The officials also emphasized their commitment to strengthening last-mile connectivity through feeder services, including buses and autorickshaws, to reduce dependency on private vehicles.
In line with future plans, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is expected to allocate a plot in the Karve Road area for the development of a multi-story parking space. Maha Metro also envisions a parking lot at the Vanaz depot to alleviate parking-related issues in the region.
