Pune: There has been no significant rise in Metro's daily ridership which is stuck around 2 lakh for the last four months, since after Ganeshotsav in Sept 2025, because of weak last-mile connectivity at various stations said regular commuters in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
They said the lack of last-mile connectivity was preventing more commuters from coming on board.
Feeder buses were operational at various stations, but commuters said the frequency was low and the services were not helpful as a result. Regulars also complained of fleecing auto drivers who overcharge, don't ply by the meter and refuse short distance rides.
Official data revealed the monthly ridership had peaked in Sep 2025, when over 75 lakh commuters travelled on both operational routes. It has reduced since then and stayed in the range of 59 lakh to 62 lakh. The monthly ridership was around 60 lakh before Sept 2025. In Jan, 62.1 lakh commuters took the Metro and the average daily ridership was 2 lakh.
In Dec 2025, the footfall stood around 1.96 lakh, while around 2.04 lakh and 1.91 lakh in Nov and Oct on the Vanaz to Ramwadi and Swargate to Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation route.
Frequent commuter Sagar Kate said people opt for Metro rides on festival days like during Ganeshotsav, Diwali and New Year. The administration would have to make similar efforts to increase normal day ridership which is stuck at 2 lakh, he added.
Viky Patil, a frequent flyer, said feeder services between Yerawada and Ramwadi Metro stations were lacking and required upgrades. "Initially, the buses ran on time. Now there are delays and cancellations. Those travelling to the airport cannot wait for long to catch a bus. Frequency needs to go up. Also, buses are not available at night. All this adds up," he added.
Commuters at Metro stations in core city areas face problems parking their bikes. Sumit Shah, who boards at Garware College Metro station, said there was no dedicated parking lot nearby. The one at Nal Stop was chaotic. Even originating stations like Vanaz and Ramwadi lacked dedicated parking spaces, he added.
Over 29 Metro stations are operational on two routes. Officials from Maha Metro said they were constantly working to improve feeder services. "Some bus routes have been redesigned to benefit Metro commuters. There is a plan to add more vehicles on the routes. A review of feeder buses to the airport will be taken jointly by Maha Metro and PMPML," they said.
Officials said they were struggling to establish parking areas near existing Metro stations because of lack of open space. Maha Metro was attempting to acquire private plots, but the process was not complete. Meanwhile, the RTO had defined fare charts from some stations for sharing auto scheme, but drivers did not follow it. Autorickshaw unions claimed they provide dedicated halts at the stations.
Sources said PMPML was already facing a shortage of buses and procurement of new ones was in the pipeline. Addition to the existing fleet would improve feeder services.
Sarang Dastane is a senior correspondent at The Times of India, P...
Read MoreSarang Dastane is a senior correspondent at The Times of India, Pune. He covers government offices, the railways, the Regional Transport Office, the district collectorate and state transport. His hobbies include trekking and outdoor activities, and he’s a social worker too.
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