Latest news with #Maha-Metro
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pilot study launched by PKC, Maha-Metro to boost Pune Metro ridership & last-mile connectivity
In a first, the Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) and Maha-Metro in May launched a comprehensive pilot study aimed at boosting ridership on the Pune Metro and identifying solutions for last-mile connectivity. The study will be carried out till the end of this year and will focus on understanding commuter behaviour, addressing barriers to metro adoption, and recommending actionable interventions across infrastructure and service delivery. As part of the study, a special one-month campaign tentatively titled 'Metro Month' will be held in the city in October or November this year during which the team will test the proposed solutions. The campaign will also include social media promotion, targeted outreach, and efforts to boost commuter confidence and awareness. (HT PHOTO) Led by Priya Nagaraj, CEO of PKC, along with Anita Kane, senior advisor at PKC and project head, the study is being jointly executed by the PKC, Centre for Environment Education (CEE) India, and Save Traffic Movement (STM). Whereas Maha-Metro managing director Shravan Hardikar said, 'We have tied up with the PKC for this ridership enhancement initiative, which combines behavioural research, community engagement, and infrastructure evaluation. The goal is to better understand why commuters are not opting for the metro, and what changes—such as feeder service alignment, improved infrastructure, or connectivity fixes—can help us change that.' Nagaraj said that the project has already begun on the ground. 'Pune Metro wants to increase footfalls on existing routes and also prepare for upcoming lines. This includes looking at how to integrate ticketing and last-mile services. We are surveying different user groups along the metro corridor, analysing patterns, and working towards data-backed recommendations,' she said. For now, the pilot is focused exclusively on the Pune Metro, particularly the aqua line between Vanaz and Garware College metro stations. This corridor cuts across a range of user profiles—from residential zones like Rambha Colony and Shiv Tirth Nagar to student hubs in Kothrud—making it ideal for studying usage trends and commuter pain points. If successful, the study's findings may be shared with the Mumbai Metro and other metro projects in the state, Nagaraj said. Multi-channel outreach, on-ground engagement According to Kane, the campaign goes beyond conventional surveys. 'We are conducting door-to-door consultations, focused group discussions, and event-based surveys—because experience shows that online forms alone get poor response. We are not only talking to commuters but also to rickshaw drivers, vendors, students, and carpool users. In Vanaz for instance, carpool users from Bavdhan are parking in residential lanes, leading to friction. We are studying such patterns to find inclusive solutions.' One of the key objectives is to recommend viable options to improve first-mile and last-mile access. This could involve dedicated pink autos, shared rides, mini-vans, footpath upgrades, or additional Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus routes. 'Metro Month' to be held in city in October/November 2025 As part of the study, a special one-month campaign tentatively titled 'Metro Month' will be held in the city in October or November this year during which the team will test the proposed solutions. The campaign will also include social media promotion, targeted outreach, and efforts to boost commuter confidence and awareness. Kane said, ''Metro Month' will act as a live experiment. If something works—say, a feeder service or service frequency tweak—it could become permanent. For instance, we have already noticed that stations like Anand Nagar are crowded during peak hours. One suggestion under discussion is increasing metro frequency at those times.' Kane said that the study avoids a one-size-fits-all approach. 'Each locality has unique challenges. Our recommendations will reflect ground realities. If this pilot works, it can serve as a replicable model across the city and state,' she said. Citizens' response Commuters have welcomed the initiative. Shraddha Rathi, a resident of Model Colony, said, 'Right now, it's either a long walk or an expensive rickshaw to get to the metro. If they bring in shared autos or mini-vans, it will make a real difference.' Nikhil Deshmukh, a student from Kothrud, said, 'The metro is efficient but getting there is a challenge. Better connectivity and awareness could make more students ditch their two-wheelers.'
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pune Metro Phase-2 gets cabinet approval
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, approved Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, including elevated extensions—Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (corridor 2B). The project is expected to cost ₹ 3626.24 crore and will be jointly funded by the central and state governments, along with loans from international agencies. It is slated for completion in four years. (HT) These corridors are extensions of the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi Line (Phase-1) and aim to improve east-west connectivity across the city. Both corridors will be elevated and span 12.75 km, covering 13 stations across key areas like Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is expected to cost ₹ 3626.24 crore and will be jointly funded by the central and state governments, along with loans from international agencies. It is slated for completion in four years. Prime Modi said, 'Pune is rapidly developing in every sector today while also making a significant contribution to the country's economy. To further accelerate this progress, we have approved the expansion of metro services here. This will not only boost transportation but also make people's lives easier.' According to officials, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), the implementing agency, has already begun pre-construction work such as surveys and design. Shravan Hardikar, managing director, Maha-Metro, said, 'These two new metro corridors will connect Pune's rapidly growing eastern and western suburbs to the rest of the city. Thousands of citizens in these areas will benefit from the improved connectivity.' 'At present, the station design is almost complete. We will finalize contractors in the next few months, and work is likely to begin by the end of this year,' said Atul Gadgil, director (works), Maha-Metro. Murlidhar Mohol, union minister of state and Pune MP, said, 'I had recently met union urban development minister Manohar Lal Khattar to push for the approval. The 12.75 km stretch with 13 stations will connect key areas like Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi, benefiting lakhs of daily commuters.' 'The decision will boost public transport and link with Line-1 and Line-3 at the District Court interchange. It will also integrate with intercity buses from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Sambhajinagar, paving the way for smart multimodal transport in Pune,' he added. The Vanaz to Chandani Chowk stretch will cover 1.12 km with 2 stations, while the Ramwadi to Wagholi route will span 11.63 km with 11 stations. These corridors will link key residential zones, IT hubs, and commercial centres. The expansion also supports Pune's comprehensive mobility plan and is expected to ease pressure on congested roads like Paud Road and Ahmednagar Road. The new metro lines will integrate with Line-1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line-3 (Hinjewadi–District Court) at the District Court interchange, allowing smoother multimodal connectivity. Bus terminals for long-distance routes from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Ahilya Nagar will be linked with metro hubs at Chandani Chowk and Wagholi. Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister, said, 'I thank Prime Minister Modi for the important decision…These two elevated corridors will connect key areas like Chandni Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi.' Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister, said 'The decision will help reduce traffic congestion in Pune, improve the public transport system, and boost the economic, industrial, commercial, and educational growth of the city and surrounding areas.' The state cabinet approved the extensions in March 2024, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) directed to assist with land and finances. PMC will also share the cost of any future escalations. To support smooth implementation, the state has cleared interest-free loans for expenses such as land acquisition, taxes, and construction costs. Temporary use of open government land for construction has also been permitted. Maha-Metro is currently executing Phase-1, which includes the PCMC–Swargate and Vanaz–Ramwadi routes. Work is also ongoing on the PCMC to Nigdi elevated extension and Swargate to Katraj underground section of Line-1.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ajit Pawar warns Metro of ₹10 crore fine over debris, traffic chaos
Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Pune district guardian minister Ajit Pawar has come down heavily on Maha-Metro and civic officials over the growing traffic congestion and waterlogging issues, causing public inconvenience in Pune. He issued a stern warning to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), threatening a penalty of ₹10 crore to the metro for failure to clear debris from metro construction before the Palkhi arrival. Pawar was in Pune for the traffic review meeting and criticised the stalled metro works, especially in areas like Hinjewadi, which have become major obstacles to smooth traffic flow. 'If the rubble and blockages caused by the Metro project are not removed immediately, a penalty notice of ₹10 crore will be issued by PMRDA to Metro. Metro officials have requested an extension of two to three days to clear the debris,' he said. Pune has been facing relentless rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas. Combined with incomplete metro works and debris-filled roads, this has worsened traffic congestion in several parts of the city. Pawar reviews Wari preparedness Pawar also reviewed preparations for the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, during which thousands of devotees of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj arrive in Pune with their palkhis (holy processions), further straining traffic flow. 'During the Palkhi procession, devotees often take whichever roads are accessible. It is essential to ensure that no debris or mud remains on these routes to avoid inconvenience,' he said. He also directed officials to remove all flex banners and advertising hoardings from the Palkhi routes to maintain a clear passage for the devotees. In light of the recent flood-like situation at Dive Ghat on Friday, Pawar instructed the administration to take comprehensive safety measures along the Wari route, which is scheduled for later this month. Pawar chaired a review meeting attended by divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune municipal commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram, Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh, and district collector Jitendra Dudi. 'The road widening work at Dive Ghat is ongoing, and thousands of Warkaris will pass through this stretch. The administration must install proper barricades to ensure safe passage of the Palkhi. Given the heavy rain witnessed recently, officials should remain on high alert,' Pawar said. He also instructed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to deploy personnel in alert mode along the Wari route in both Pune and Solapur districts. Additionally, he emphasised the need to provide clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and access to healthcare services for the Warkaris. During the meeting, Pawar also reviewed the city's COVID-19 situation. While he noted that the situation remains under control, he urged continued vigilance. 'There is no need to panic, but we must stay alert. The government has made adequate preparations. However, basic precautions must still be observed, especially during large gatherings like the Wari,' he said.
