In a remarkable achievement, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has reported an astounding ridership of more than 2 million commuters in a single month. This remarkable feat was made possible with the inauguration of two new routes on August 1, significantly expanding Pune’s metro network and enhancing public transportation in the city.
Expanding the Network
The key to this surge in ridership lies in the addition of two new routes, namely the Garware College to Ruby Hall Clinic stretch and the Phugewadi to Civil Court route. These new lines have quickly gained popularity among the residents of Pune, leading to a remarkable increase in daily commuters.
On average, over 65,000 journeys are now being made daily between 6 am and 10 pm, according to officials from Maha-Metro.
Weekend Rush and Discounts
The response to the metro services is especially pronounced on weekends, as commuters can avail themselves of a generous 30 percent discount on fares during this time. This initiative has not only encouraged weekend travel but has also boosted overall ridership.
Prime Minister’s Inauguration
On August 1, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Phugewadi to Civil Court and Garware to Ruby Hall Clinic stretches. These additions expanded the metro network by 11.5 kilometers, offering eleven stops along the way. The new stops include Deccan Gymkhana, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Park, PMC, Civil Court (elevated), Mangalwar Peth, Pune Railway Station, Ruby Hall Clinic, Dapodi, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, and Civil Court (underground).
Empowering Public Transport
Shravan Hardikar, managing director of Maha-Metro, commented, “The facility has contributed to the empowerment of Pune’s public transport system. In coordination with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), feeder bus services will be started on more routes.” This collaborative effort aims to improve connectivity and accessibility for commuters across Pune.
Data Highlights
According to Maha-Metro data, weekends are especially popular, with passenger counts often exceeding 100,000 every Sunday. The busiest day in August was the 15th, with an impressive 169,512 passenger trips. In the same month, the metro generated over ₹3 crore in income, averaging more than ₹9 lakh daily.
Electronic Payments Preferred
Notably, more than half of the ticket sales, approximately 53.41 percent, were made through electronic payment methods, reflecting the growing trend towards digital transactions. The remaining 46.59 percent purchased paper tickets with cash. Around 86 percent of commuters obtained paper tickets from ticket windows, while the rest used metro kiosks. Moreover, 68 percent of digital ticket buyers opted for mobile payments, further showcasing the convenience of electronic transactions.
Enhancing Accessibility
To enhance last-mile connectivity, Maha-Metro has introduced feeder bus services at several metro stations, making it easier for passengers to access the metro system. Additionally, share autorickshaw services cover various key locations to further improve connectivity.
Increased Free Pune Card Allocation
In a bid to encourage metro ridership, Maha-Metro has expanded the allocation of free Pune cards from 5,000 to 15,000 cards for the initial beneficiaries. Currently, 11,000 of these cards have already been distributed. The standard cost of the card is ₹177. Furthermore, cardholders enjoy a 30 percent discount on weekend travel, a 10 percent daily discount, and a 30 percent student concession, further incentivizing the use of the metro system.
The impressive surge in ridership for Maha-Metro reflects not only the success of the expanded metro network but also the growing preference for efficient and sustainable modes of transportation. As Pune’s metro system continues to evolve and expand, it holds the promise of further transforming the city’s transportation landscape, reducing congestion, and contributing to a cleaner and more accessible urban environment.
