Pune Maha Metro has announced enhanced security and operational measures at Mandai and Kasba stations to manage the anticipated surge in commuters during the ten-day Ganeshotsav festival beginning 27 August 2025. The areas surrounding these stations are home to several prominent Ganpati mandals, attracting devotees from across Pune and neighbouring districts, creating significant pedestrian and vehicular congestion during peak festive days.
Officials from Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) confirmed that additional staff and police personnel will be deployed at Mandai and Kasba stations for effective crowd control. With narrow access roads and heavy traffic in these localities, the metro’s expanded presence is expected to streamline commuter flow, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for festival-goers. “The Pune District Court to Swargate metro stretch will experience unprecedented rush during Ganeshotsav this year,” said a senior Maha-Metro official. “Extra manpower and law enforcement support will be deployed at key stations, while station managers have been instructed to implement comprehensive traffic planning measures.”
This route, which became operational only after last year’s Ganeshotsav, had earlier been delayed due to the model code of conduct enforced for assembly elections. The Maha-Metro has proactively increased the number of trains and extended operational hours for the festival, anticipating high demand from passengers seeking faster and more convenient access to the popular Ganpati mandals. Authorities have also undertaken inspections at Mandai and Kasba stations to evaluate readiness. Senior officials from Maha-Metro, along with law enforcement representatives, conducted a detailed assessment to ensure that crowd management protocols, safety infrastructure, and service schedules are optimally aligned for the expected surge in passenger traffic.
The metro initiative is also aimed at reducing dependence on road-based public transport, which often faces gridlocks in these densely populated areas. Before the metro extension, commuters travelling to Mandai and Kasba had to walk approximately 2 kilometres from the last bus stop of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to reach these key festival zones, highlighting the significance of expanded metro operations during high-demand periods. Experts point out that the integration of additional manpower and extended train services not only facilitates smoother commuter movement but also enhances overall public safety during mass gatherings. As Pune continues to develop sustainable urban mobility solutions, initiatives like these demonstrate the role of metro infrastructure in promoting eco-friendly and efficient transit alternatives during high-traffic events.
With the Ganeshotsav festivities drawing thousands of devotees, Maha-Metro’s strategy represents a coordinated effort to manage crowds, improve commuter convenience, and reduce the environmental impact of festival travel by promoting public transport over private vehicles.
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