In response to escalating demands from the commuter base, particularly among frequent flyers reliant on evening transport, Pune Metro authorities are contemplating a significant adjustment to operational timelines.
The proposed extension aims to prolong service hours from the current cut-off at 10 pm to a more accommodating 11 pm window, as confirmed by officials closely associated with the decision-making process. Hemant Sonavane, the esteemed Executive Director of Public Relations at Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), articulated the deliberation, stating, “We are considering extending the last service of the Metro to 11pm. This extension will apply to all lines, including the airport route to Ramwadi. However, a six-hour gap is still necessary for routine maintenance of rakes, overhead electrical wires, tracks, and other infrastructure.” Nonetheless, Sonavane underscored the indispensable necessity of a six-hour interval earmarked for routine maintenance endeavours encompassing rakes, overhead electrical infrastructure, tracks, and ancillary systems.
The proposal, if greenlit, stands to address a discernible lacuna in the current service framework, aligning with the burgeoning demand for enhanced public transit accessibility during nocturnal hours. Concurrently, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has pledged to synchronise their feeder bus services to seamlessly complement the extended Metro operational hours, thereby augmenting the overall transit efficacy. This prospective adjustment heralds a paradigm shift in Pune’s urban mobility landscape, poised to engender palpable benefits for a diverse spectrum of commuters reliant on efficient and reliable transit solutions beyond conventional operational windows. As the city’s infrastructure continues to evolve to meet the evolving needs of its populace, such strategic initiatives underscore a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accessible public transportation ecosystem.
