Pune Metro has announced a major extension of its service timings to accommodate the surge of commuters during Ganeshotsav, the city’s most celebrated festival. The decision is aimed at easing traffic congestion and ensuring safer, sustainable mobility for lakhs of devotees who visit prominent Ganesh Mandals across the city during the 10-day event.
Officials confirmed that Metro trains will run till midnight throughout the festival period, with additional trips scheduled to handle passenger demand. The most striking initiative is reserved for Anant Chaturdashi, the day of idol immersion, when Metro operations will run continuously for 41 hours — from 6 am on 6 September until 11 pm on 7 September. This uninterrupted service is expected to significantly reduce dependence on private vehicles and road transport during one of the busiest days in Pune’s festive calendar. The revised schedule begins on 27 August, with services running from 6 am to 11 pm until 29 August. Between 30 August and 5 September, timings will be further extended until 2 am. Normal operations will resume from 8 September. Transport experts have welcomed the move, noting that longer Metro hours will encourage more citizens to shift from cars and two-wheelers to public transport, thereby cutting emissions and reducing gridlocks in the heart of the city.
This year marks a turning point for Pune Metro, as the newly operational underground stretch from District Court to Swargate will serve commuters for the first time during Ganeshotsav. Stations along this corridor — including Kasba Peth and Mandai — are located close to iconic Ganesh Mandals that attract massive crowds. With this new link, devotees can avoid traffic bottlenecks and directly reach the festival hubs by train, making urban travel both efficient and eco-friendly. Urban planners have stressed that the Metro’s strategy aligns with the broader agenda of building low-carbon, equitable cities. Ganeshotsav often brings vehicular congestion and rising pollution levels, but the Metro’s extended service window offers a green alternative at a time when urban mobility is most strained. By absorbing a higher passenger load during the festival, Pune Metro is not just providing convenience but also reinforcing the city’s sustainable transport ecosystem.
The move reflects a larger vision for Pune, where public transit is increasingly becoming central to city planning. While challenges such as last-mile connectivity and passenger awareness remain, the extended timings are being seen as a vital step in integrating cultural festivities with modern transport solutions. For residents and visitors alike, this year’s Ganeshotsav could mark the beginning of a more seamless and sustainable travel experience in Pune.
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