The Pune Metro has extended its operational hours during Ganeshotsav to accommodate the surging passenger demand, offering citizens a faster and greener alternative to road travel. With over 2.28 lakh commuters recorded on the first day of the festival—16,000 more than average—the move reflects how public transport is increasingly being recognised as the city’s backbone during high-demand periods.
Pune’s celebration of Ganeshotsav, marked by heavy processions and gatherings in the city’s dense urban pockets, usually brings traffic congestion, parking shortages, and heightened pollution. Metro officials said the extended hours are not only a response to demand but also a step towards safer mobility and reduced carbon emissions. By prioritising mass transit, the city seeks to limit the number of private vehicles on its choked roads during peak festivities. The Metro, strategically connecting the city’s core areas, has emerged as a vital mobility lifeline. According to officials, passenger inflow shows a notable spike from the fourth day of the festival as footfall at pandals rises. This has underlined the importance of transport infrastructure that can adapt to seasonal demands. Urban planners believe that such operational flexibility is critical for building sustainable, people-friendly cities.
Transport experts highlighted that every passenger shift from a private vehicle to the Metro significantly reduces per capita emissions, eases congestion, and improves air quality in the city. The move comes at a time when Pune is working to balance rapid urbanisation with the challenges of air pollution, carbon emissions, and road safety. With the Ganeshotsav crowds swelling daily, the Metro has positioned itself as a reliable, climate-conscious mobility alternative. Citizens too appear to be embracing this shift. Many commuters cited convenience, affordability, and safety as reasons for preferring the Metro over navigating jammed roads. The system’s ability to absorb large volumes of passengers during festivals demonstrates the role mass transit can play in building equitable and accessible cities.
While officials remain cautious about long-term ridership trends, they maintain that such festive surges provide valuable data for future planning. Extending service hours during peak events, they noted, could become a standard practice in metropolitan cities aiming for net-zero growth. As Pune celebrates its most cherished festival, the Metro’s expanded operations serve as more than just a travel solution. They represent the city’s gradual but visible transition towards cleaner, greener mobility that prioritises public convenience over private congestion. In a city that continues to grow at a rapid pace, such measures set the tone for sustainable urban development rooted in inclusivity and resilience.
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