Pune: Metro Feeder Buses to Get Designated Parking at New Airport Terminal

Pune: Two feeder buses, which connect the Pune airport to Ramwadi Metro station, will soon find a permanent parking spot near the exit gate of the new terminal building. In addition, Maha Metro officials are in discussions with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to add another bus to the feeder service following the terminal’s inauguration.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohal recently visited the Maha Metro office, where he was briefed on the feeder service. “We informed him that the airport service buses don’t have a proper space for parking, resulting in many flyers not being able to spot them,” said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director (Public Relations and Administration) of Maha Metro. “The minister assured us that once the new terminal building is opened, space would be provided for the buses inside the premises. We will soon meet with the airport authorities to finalize a parking space for the buses.”

The feeder service, which makes 10 trips daily between the airport and the Ramwadi Metro station, was launched in March but has struggled to attract commuters. “How will it garner interest when most of the time we cannot even spot the bus? I have traveled from the airport to Hinjewadi four times since March but have never seen any PMPML bus at the airport,” said a traveler.

Another frequent flyer, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the buses needed to be more visible. “We are working on this in coordination with the PMPML. We plan to park the buses near the exit gate of the new terminal with proper signage and timings,” Sonawane added.

An airport official mentioned that a meeting is expected to take place later this week to finalize the arrangements. “We also have to ensure that the movement of private vehicles and cabs remains unaffected,” the official said.