Pune: Metro to Extend Service Hours During Ganesh Festival
In anticipation of the large number of devotees visiting Pune during the Ganesh Festival, Maha-Metro has announced extended service hours from September 7 to 18. From September 7 to 9, Metro services will run from 6 AM to 11 PM, while from September 10 to 16, the operational hours will be extended until midnight. On Anant Chaturdashi, September 17, the Metro will operate continuously for 24 hours until 6 AM on September 18.
This move is aimed at accommodating the significant footfall in the Peth areas, home to the revered ‘Manache Ganpati’. In addition to the extended service hours, the Metro authority plans to increase train frequency to manage the rush of devotees more effectively.
To further streamline operations and reduce waiting times, Pune Metro is encouraging passengers to use digital ticketing options, such as the Pune Metro mobile app and WhatsApp ticketing. This initiative aligns with the Metro’s aim to avoid long queues and ensure a smooth travel experience during the festival.
Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director (Administration, Public Relations), commented, “These measures aim to provide maximum convenience to the citizens and ensure seamless travel during the celebrations. Pune Metro urges everyone to plan their journeys.”
Rise in Metro Ridership
Pune Metro has seen a steady increase in ridership following the launch of the Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi route. In June 2024, over one lakh passengers used the Metro daily, and by August, this figure rose by 20%, reaching a daily average of 1,18,241 passengers. Pune Metro earned ₹5.69 crore in ticket revenue in August, with a daily average of ₹18.68 lakh. Of the total ridership, 29% traveled on the Pimpri Chinchwad to District Court route, while 71% traveled on the Ramwadi to Vanaz route.
Notably, 70% of passengers opted for digital ticketing methods, making Pune Metro a leader in digital ticketing across India. Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of Maha-Metro, remarked, “The 20% rise in daily ridership and over 70% digital ticket purchases reflect Pune’s environmental awareness.”
