The Pune to Navi Mumbai airport bus service has started with two daily MSRTC E-Shivai buses connecting Swargate to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, offering passengers a direct road link at a maximum adult fare of Rs 445.
The services began on Wednesday, with the first bus leaving Swargate at 6.15 am and scheduled to reach the airport at about 9.30 am. The second bus departs at 2.25 pm and is expected to arrive around 6 pm, according to The Indian Express.
The 120-km route includes stops at Wanaz, Chandni Chowk, Balewadi, Hinjewadi Phata and Indira College in Wakad. The stops extend access to passengers from several parts of Pune, including major residential and employment areas along the western side of the city.
The maximum adult fare has been fixed at Rs 445, while the fare for children is Rs 230. Passengers eligible for concessions can use the applicable benefits through their National Common Mobility Card, the report said.
The direct service provides an alternative to travelling to Pune airport, particularly for passengers from Wakad, Hinjewadi and nearby areas. The route uses road connectivity through the expressway and the Missing Link, although the service currently has limited frequency.
Commuters said two buses a day may not be adequate as flight operations and passenger traffic at Navi Mumbai International Airport expand. Rahul Jadhav, a resident of Wakad, said additional departures would give travellers more options, especially when flight timings do not align with the existing schedules.
Arun Siya, divisional controller of the MSRTC Pune division, said the corporation would assess passenger demand before increasing services. “We would analyse the demand and will increase the frequency on the route,” Siya told The Indian Express.
MSRTC has also introduced direct services connecting Navi Mumbai International Airport with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar and Borivali. The Pune division’s next step on the Swargate route will depend on the passenger demand recorded after the service begins operations.
