Pune: Proposed Metro Routes Await Centre’s Approval as Ridership Stagnates

Pune: The daily ridership of Pune Metro on its two operational routes — Vanaz to Ramwadi and PCMC to Swargate — has remained stagnant between 1.5 lakh and 1.6 lakh over the last four months, even as the approval for new routes from the Centre is still awaited.

Commuters believe that the absence of new Metro connections is a key reason behind the slow growth in ridership. Without the next-phase routes, the footfall is unlikely to rise significantly.

In February 2025, the daily average footfall was 1.53 lakh. In January, it was slightly higher at 1.6 lakh. In December and November 2024, it hovered around 1.51 lakh and 1.43 lakh respectively. The average daily ridership for the first 23 days of March 2025 has dropped further to around 1.44 lakh.

A regular commuter to Ramwadi, highlighted the need for Metro extension towards Wagholi. “I have been hearing that the proposal to extend the Metro till Wagholi is under consideration. It will be good if the services are extended till Wagholi, covering entire Nagar Road,” she said.

The proposed routes — Ramwadi to Wagholi and Vanaz to Chandni Chowk — are among the major projects awaiting the Centre’s approval. These proposals were cleared by the Maharashtra government a year ago in March 2024. Additionally, five more Metro expansion proposals are pending approval from the Centre.

MP Muralidhar Mohol recently stated that both these proposed routes are in the advanced stages of clearance and are likely to get the Centre’s nod soon. Officials from Maha Metro echoed similar sentiments, saying that once the approval is received, the groundwork will begin.

However, a former Congress corporator expressed disappointment over the delay. “The BJP is ruling in the Centre and state. The proposals are pending even if like-minded governments are there at both levels. Late clearances will delay the completion of Metro lines, and eventually, commuters will have to suffer,” he remarked.

Another regular Metro user, added, “It is clear that a minimum of three to four years is required for a new route to become operational. Even if the Centre approves new routes for Wagholi and Chandni Chowk now, commuters will be able to travel only after three years.”

Sources from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) mentioned that the civic body has already provided the necessary clearances for the proposed extensions to avoid delays. Notably, PMC has been functioning without elected representatives for the past three years, but the administration has moved ahead with the proposals to prevent any bottlenecks.