Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, is set to witness a significant milestone in its transportation infrastructure as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates two extended stretches of the Metro rail system today. The new stretches, namely Garware College to Ruby Hall Clinic and Phugewadi to Civil Court, are expected to provide improved connectivity and ease of travel for the city’s residents.
The Garware College to Ruby Hall Clinic stretch is an elevated one, while the Phugewadi to Civil Court stretch will have both elevated and underground sections. With 11 stations each and covering a distance of 12 kilometers, these extended stretches aim to cater to a wider range of commuters, offering them efficient transportation options.
A trial run was conducted on the Ruby Hall Clinic to Shivajinagar stations route on Monday to ensure a smooth launch before the Prime Minister’s visit to Pune. Commuters will have the flexibility to travel from Pune to Pimpri using the Metro services from Tuesday evening. Additionally, those traveling to Pune and Shivajinagar railway stations will find the Metro a convenient alternative mode of transportation.
MahaMetro, the authority responsible for the Metro rail, has ensured that the stations are well-equipped with at least one entry-exit gate to facilitate easy access to the concourse level and platforms. The Metro services will be operational from 7 am to 10 pm, with trains running at a frequency of 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during non-peak hours.
This is not the first phase of Pune’s Metro project; the initial leg, connecting Vanaz to Garware College and PCMC to Phugewadi, was inaugurated by PM Modi on March 6, 2022. However, the work on the Metro line connecting Pune and Pimpri was pending, limiting the scope of services at that time.
To ensure the safety and convenience of commuters, MahaMetro has deployed 18 rakes for daily operations, with 14 rakes being introduced on both routes from Tuesday onwards. The staff, including trained operators, are ready to serve the passengers efficiently.
Civil Court station is expected to be an essential interchanging point, allowing commuters to switch from one line to another. For instance, a passenger traveling from PCMC to Vanaz will need to switch trains at the Civil Court station. Such interchanging points aim to optimize travel routes and provide flexibility to the passengers.
As the extended Metro stretches are set to provide a much-needed boost to Pune’s transportation infrastructure, people like Vikas Kharat, a regular commuter between Pune and Pimpri, are eagerly looking forward to experiencing the new Metro service. For many who currently rely on buses or trains for daily commutes, the Metro offers an additional and potentially more efficient option for travel.
Abhishek Sawant, a college student, is hopeful that the Metro’s frequency and reliability will save him time and effort, providing a smoother travel experience. As the Metro rail stretches inaugurate today, Pune’s residents can expect to witness positive changes in their daily commuting experiences, paving the way for a more connected and accessible city.
