Latest news with #HemantSonawane
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
One Pune Metro train set leased to Patna Metro, Congress says ‘politically motivated' move
The Maha Metro Rail Corporation has leased a reserve train set of the Pune Metro to the Patna Metro Rail Corporation for a period of three years. The train set has been leased to Patna at a cost of Rs 14.85 crore, including transport and other charges, informed Maha Metro spokesperson Hemant Sonawane. The train set left from Pune to Patna on July 11-12 by road. The Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress Youth Congress has termed this move as a 'politically motivated diversion of resources' from Maharashtra to Bihar, allegedly for electoral gains ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. However, Maha Metro officials denied these allegations by saying that 9 more spare train sets are available with Pune. They also said that such transfers were routine, and Pune Metro itself had received a train set from Hyderabad during its initial days. Prathamesh Abnave, General Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress, said, 'Commuters in Pune are struggling with long wait times and overcrowded trains. Diverting the city's only reserved metro rake to another state without public or political consultation is unacceptable.' He alleged that the move is politically timed to ensure Patna Metro's symbolic launch before Bihar's elections, aiming to gain mileage for the ruling parties. Abnave questioned whether Pune's MP, MLAs, or the Guardian Minister were informed or consulted prior to this transfer. He also said that if the decision was not reversed, the Congress would protest at the Maha Metro office in Pune. Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of Maha Metro, denied allegations that the move was politically motivated. He told The Indian Express, 'Nothing is politically motivated. It is basically putting the resources at proper value. We are supplying an adequate number of trains to the citizens of Pune. We are also working on increasing the frequency in Pune. One train per-se does not add to any additional frequency.' Pune Metro has ordered a total of 34 train sets, out of which 33 have been delivered by the manufacturer. With 1 train set being sent to Patna Metro, Pune Metro is left with 32 train sets, out of which 23 are used in daily operations and 9 are spare. A statement shared by Sonawane said, 'At present at peak-time trains are occupied with 60% of its total capacity. With the spare fleet Pune Metro can run services at every 6 min without affecting spare train sets and train sets kept for maintenance. Further efforts are on to reduce headway to 5 min. Pune Metro spared 1 train set to Patna Metro to earn from leasing. Had it been put into service it would have earned less than we are getting, besides its maintenance cost.' Soham is a Correspondent with the Indian Express in Pune. A journalism graduate, he was a fact-checker before joining the Express. Soham currently covers education and is also interested in civic issues, health, human rights, and politics. ... Read More
News18
23-06-2025
- News18
Pune Metro Hits Record High With Over 5.45 Lakh Riders Amid Wari Processions
Last Updated: The spike came as traffic restrictions were placed in central Pune and roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad. Pune Metro recorded its highest-ever ridership over two consecutive days as road closures due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions forced thousands to ditch their vehicles and opt for public transport. On Friday, 21 June, the metro welcomed an all-time high of 3.19 lakh passengers in a single day. Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) carried 1,50,385 commuters, while Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) saw 1,68,681 passengers, as per Hindustan Times. This was followed by another strong turnout on Saturday with 2.26 lakh people using the metro—almost double the daily average. With traffic restrictions imposed in central Pune and key routes to Pimpri-Chinchwad, especially around the Peth areas, most private vehicles were off the road. As a result, the metro emerged as the most convenient mode of transport, with even Warkaris hopping on board to visit family or reach central locations. Warkaris Embrace the Metro Experience Many Warkaris were spotted purchasing metro tickets and exploring stations near popular city landmarks. The metro's clean, fast, and air-conditioned coaches were a welcome change for many. Hemant Sonawane, Director (PR and Admin), Pune Metro, noted, 'Ridership this year is significantly higher compared to the same time during last year's Wari. The newly launched Civil Court to Swargate stretch played a big role, as many Warkaris were staying nearby." Pune Metro's previous highest single-day ridership was 1.99 lakh on 30 June 2023, also during the Wari. Before that, the record stood at 1.68 lakh on 15 August 2023. Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud, said, 'Due to roadblocks, I took the metro to Kalyani Nagar. It was fast, comfortable, and completely stress-free." With such strong numbers, Pune Metro has proven its value not just as a mode of transport, but as a true city saviour during festivals and disruptions. First Published:
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Pune Metro records over 5.45 lakh riders in two days as major roads closed due to Waris
With major roads closed due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions, the Pune Metro witnessed a massive surge in ridership over two consecutive days recording over 5.45 lakh passengers on Friday and Saturday. On Friday (June 20), the metro saw its highest-ever single-day ridership of 319,066 passengers as both citizens and Warkaris opted for metro travel over congested roads. Of the 319,066 passengers, 150,385 commuters travelled on line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) while 168,681 used line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi). The high ridership trend continued on Saturday, June 21, with 226,600 passengers using the metro. On that day, line 1 saw 113,366 riders and line 2 had 113,234 riders. These figures are nearly double the average daily ridership on both corridors. Several Warkaris also took the metro to visit relatives living in the suburbs, enjoying the convenient and fast travel. The high ridership trend continued on Saturday, June 21, with 226,600 passengers using the metro. (HT) This surge in numbers comes as traffic curbs were imposed across central Pune and along roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad, due to the halts of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhis or palanquins. Most Peth areas remained closed to private vehicles, pushing commuters towards public transport. Several Warkaris were seen purchasing tickets and exploring the stations near key city landmarks. Hemant Sonawane, director (public relations and administration), Pune Metro, said, 'Many Warkaris and residents chose the metro not just for convenience, but also to experience the ride for the first time. The ridership is higher compared to the corresponding period during last year's Wari procession. This year, we started the Civil Court to Swargate stretch where most of the Warkaris stayed during the Wari. It is a busy part of the city, so many local residents also opted for the metro.' Last year, Pune Metro's highest single-day ridership was 199,437 on June 30 during the Wari. The record before that was 168,012 on August 15, 2023. Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud who travelled to Kalyani Nagar, said, 'Because of roadblocks for the Wari procession, I decided to try the metro. It was fast, comfortable, and saved me from all the traffic chaos. I easily reached my destination without any stress.'
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Building Pune: Pune Metro takes up designing of stations in Kharadi-Khadakwasla route, begins preparing DPR for Kharadi to Airport
With the major work of Pune Metro's first phase almost complete, the authorities have begun the planning of the second phase by undertaking the designing of 14 of the proposed 22 elevated stations on the Kharadi-Khadakwasla corridor of Pune Metro rail. It has also started the process of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Kharadi to Pune airport connectivity and a spur line from Kondhwa. The Maharashtra government in October last year approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to implement Phase Two of Pune Metro which included two routes of 25.8 km from Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar with 22 stations at a cost of Rs 8,131 crore as well as 6 km from Nal Stop to Manik Baug via Warje with six stations for Rs 1,765 crore. However, the proposal on Phase Two is pending with the Central Government for final approval. 'The Pune Metro has started the detailed design consultancy services for 14 elevated stations on the Kharadi-Khadakwasla Corridor. This is the preliminary work required for the implementation of the project. It will save time for actual work on site, which will begin only after the approval of the union government,' said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Pune Metro Rail. The work of Phase One is nearing completion as the work on Khadki Metro station is almost over, he said, adding that the work of the foot overbridge across the Mutha River will also be completed soon. The Pune Metro has also undertaken the work to prepare the DPR for new corridors providing connectivity to Pune Airport in Lohegaon and a spur line to Kondhwa, Yewalewadi, and Undri area, said Sonawane. The first phase of Pune Metro has been completed and has become operational with service from Vanaz to Ramwadi and PCMC to Swargate. The extension work has begun on routes such as from Swargate to Katraj and PCMC to Nigdi, while Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi extensions are awaiting Central Government approval. The detailed designing of Metro stations includes preparing general arrangement drawings, interface drawings, and detailed design and drawings, keeping in view of the economy and aesthetic considerations. The stations will be planned for six coaches, and each station will have conceptual and preliminary designs. All the station buildings have been envisaged as fully compliant with the requirements of solar energy utilisation. The provision for property development integrated with stations at all stations will be explored to boost non-fare revenue. The authorities will also explore the feasibility of introducing one additional floor above or below the platform level, and all stations will be designed as per IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) norms to obtain the highest rating. The Swargate North Station is to be connected with the Swargate Metro station of the PCMC-Swargate corridor through a pedestrian foot overbridge (FOB) or underpass, whichever is deemed suitable. Kharadi Chowk Metro station is to be connected with the Kharadi Junction interchange Metro station of the Ramwadi-Wagholi corridor through a FOB. Two pedestrian FOBs are proposed for the Hadapsar Railway Metro station — the first one of length 350 m is proposed to integrate the Metro station with Hadapsar Station of the Railways, and another 450 metres is proposed to cross the state highway 27. Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast. Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste. Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter. Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Building Pune: First cable-stayed bridge across Mutha River to be ready by the end of May, accessing metro to get easier
Pune residents will soon get the city's first cable-stayed bridge across the Mutha River, enabling pedestrians to not only cross the river easily but also offering them a breathtaking view of the same. Officials said the work of the much-awaited Veena-shaped pedestrian bridge linking Chhatrapati Sambhaji Park metro station to Shaniwar Peth is nearing completion. 'The Pune metro will finish its work by the end of this month,' said Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director, Pune Metro. It will provide easy access to metro commuters from the old part of the city, which includes the peth areas and central marketplace on Laxmi Road and Kumthekar Road, the official added. Meanwhile, the Pune Metro has set a deadline of June 15 for completing another pedestrian bridge across the Mutha River connecting Deccan metro station and Narayan Peth. This bridge would be beneficial for students studying in schools, colleges, and coaching classes for competitive exams to commute to and from the metro station without any hassle, said Sonawane. The Sambhaji Park and Deccan metro stations have been built along the Mutha riverbank, enabling easy access from only one side of the city through the J M Road. However, those residing across the river would also be able to easily access the two metro stations after the inauguration of the two pedestrian bridges. The Pune Metro is also planning to connect the two metro stations with another foot overbridge. Pune Metro officials said they hope the footfall will increase after the foot overbridge is ready. For the construction of the foot overbridge, the vehicular bridge over the Mutha riverbed has been closed to the public. Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast. Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste. Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter. Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More
