In anticipation of the annual Palkhi procession honoring Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj in Alandi and Sant Tukaram Maharaj in Dehu, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has announced increased bus services across Pune. This move aims to facilitate seamless transportation for devotees participating in the revered pilgrimage, known as Pandharpur Wari.
Expanded Bus Services
PMPML has scheduled 106 daily bus trips to Alandi from key locations including Swargate, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Hadapsar, Pune Station, Nigdi, Bhosari, Hinjewadi, and Chinchwad. Additionally, 30 buses will operate daily to Dehu from Pune Station, PMC, and Nigdi.
Schedule Highlights
On June 30, as the Palkhi departs from Alandi, 27 early morning buses will depart from Swargate, Pune Station, Hadapsar, and PMC heading to Alandi to accommodate pilgrims.
The Palkhi procession from Pune on July 2 will be supported by bus services departing from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station to Pune Station, Warje Malwadi, Kothrud Depot, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and Alandi. Additional routes will connect Shivrkar Garden to Katraj, Kondhwa, and Magarpatta to Mundhwa, Chandan Nagar, and Wagholi.
Route Adjustments and Additional Services
Due to road closures along the Dive Ghat route from Hadapsar to Saswad, buses will be rerouted via Bopdev Ghat. PMPML plans to add 60 extra buses on this route from Swargate, Pune Station, and Hadapsar.
To meet heightened passenger demand, PMPML will increase the frequency of buses on routes 37 and 97, while discontinuing route 20 due to low ridership starting July 1. Route 37, from N.T. Wadi to Sahakar Nagar, will see an additional 18 trips, and route 97, from Warje Malwadi to Sahakar Nagar, will add 4 trips.
Bus Route Details
Route 37 – N.T. Wadi to Sahakar Nagar
- Stops: Shivajinagar, PMC, Mandai, Swargate, Laxminagar
- Number of Buses: 2
- Frequency: Every 40 minutes
- Single Trips: 36
Route 97 – Warje Malwadi to Sahakar Nagar
- Stops: Galinde Path, Karvenagar, Kothrud, Deccan Corner, Tilak Road, Swargate, Laxminagar
- Number of Buses: 1
- Frequency: Every 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Single Trips: 12
