Pune’s metro corridors are poised for a significant boost in operational efficiency, with Maha Metro planning to reduce train intervals to five minutes on the Vanaz-Ramwadi and PCMC-Swargate routes. This move follows a sustained rise in commuter demand, particularly during peak hours and ahead of Ganeshotsav festivities.
Currently, trains run every seven minutes during rush hour and every ten minutes during off-peak periods. However, increasing congestion at platforms has prompted Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) to initiate a review of service patterns. Officials confirmed that technical evaluations are underway to facilitate operations at a five-minute frequency. Passenger data reflects this growing demand. Daily ridership on the two routes has climbed to 1.75 lakh, up from 1.5 lakh just a few months ago. June alone saw a record-breaking 52 lakh metro journeys. Rain-induced traffic disruptions and increased urban congestion have driven more residents to opt for the metro for their daily commute.
Officials stated that while the system’s technology can handle more frequent trains, introducing additional coaches will be considered in a later phase. All metro platforms in Pune are built to accommodate six-coach trains, although the current fleet is made up of three-coach sets. To support expansion, Maha Metro has ordered 12 new rakes to add to the existing fleet of 34. These new trains, costing over Rs 430 crore, will initially be delivered with three coaches, but provisions have been made for future upgrades. Delivery is expected in phases, coinciding with the planned extensions toward Katraj and Nigdi.
Officials emphasised that the metro had successfully operated at five-minute intervals during large-scale public events in the past. Commuters are hopeful that similar service levels will become the norm, especially as the city prepares for the upcoming festive season. By investing in frequency upgrades and fleet expansion, Pune Metro is taking proactive steps to ensure reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly transport for its growing ridership.
Also Read: BMC and SRA Reject Railway Claim in Ongoing Land Dispute Near King’s Circle Station
