Pune: In significant development to address the traffic woes of Punekars, the Pune Maha Metro is gearing up for a significant expansion, with the development of 12 new parking lots across the city to facilitate commuters and alleviate parking woes. Managing Director of Maha Metro, Shravan Hardikar, recently addressed the media, shedding light on these developments.
Hardikar informed that one of the central goals of this expansion is to enhance the ease of commuting to and from metro stations. To achieve this, Maha Metro is introducing alternative transportation options such as e-rickshaws and shared rickshaws, as well as improved connectivity with public transport buses to metro stations. And for this purpose, a dedicated consultancy board has been established by Maha Metro to examine crowded areas in the city and address the transportation needs of the public.
Addressing a major challenge faced near metro stations, Hardikar explained that limited road space and congestion have made it difficult to provide parking for two-wheelers. In response, a plan has been put forth to utilise this space for public transportation and ferry services to serve metro passengers. He further informed that expanding parking slots for buses and rickshaws is under consideration to further streamline transportation options for the public.
Hardikar, who assumed the role of Managing Director of Maha Metro on July 28, 2023, emphasised the importance of sharing information only after a comprehensive understanding of the projects. Directors of the project, Hemant Sonawane and Saner Patil, were also present during this announcement.
Hardikar further informed that after the introduction of metro, workload on the PMPML is actually increased, unlike earlier expectations. “Therefore, to make the passengers journey safe, easier, and more economical, we have to join hands with other public passenger transport operators like PMPML and rickshaw drivers,” he added.
He further informed that the much anticipated Swargate to Civil Court metro line is expected to commence operations in March 2024. Moreover, the metro line that currently runs until Ruby Hall will be extended to Ramwadi by December. Several additional routes, including extensions from Ramwadi to Wagholi, Pimpri to Nigdi, and Vanaj to Chandani Chowk, are in various stages of approval by the central government. The proposed subway from Katraj to Swargate is also nearing the final stages of central government approval.
