Metro Expansion Highlights Last-Mile Connectivity Crisis in Pune
The extension of Pune Metro’s operational hours till 11pm has brought relief to many commuters, but it has also exposed a critical gap in last-mile connectivity. With feeder buses and autorickshaws unavailable beyond 10.30pm at most stations, passengers struggle to complete their journeys after stepping off the Metro. Regular Metro users have urged authorities to align feeder transport timings with the new Metro schedule to ensure seamless mobility. Many have reported difficulty in finding affordable last-mile travel, particularly at major transit points such as Ramwadi, Civil Court, and Shivajinagar. Commuters highlight that while the Metro is gaining popularity, poor accessibility to key destinations—such as Pune Airport and IT hubs—limits its overall efficiency.
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) implemented the extended schedule from 26 January, with the last trains departing from Vanaz, Ramwadi, PCMC, and Swargate at 11pm. However, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) currently operates buses only until 10.30pm, leaving many Metro users stranded. For example, the last feeder bus to the airport from Ramwadi departs around 10.15pm, forcing passengers to rely on autorickshaws, which are often overpriced or refuse short-distance rides. Officials from both Maha Metro and PMPML have acknowledged the issue and stated that they are working on improving transport integration by modifying bus schedules. Some Metro stations, including Swargate and Shivajinagar, have seen minor adjustments to feeder bus timings, but commuters insist that these measures are insufficient.
Urban planners argue that last-mile connectivity is a crucial factor in increasing Metro ridership. Pune Metro’s daily footfall has surpassed 1.5 lakh passengers in recent months, a significant rise that underscores the growing demand for efficient public transport. However, without reliable last-mile options, many commuters hesitate to make Metro their preferred choice. Suggestions include increasing PMPML’s operational hours, introducing dedicated night-time shuttle services, and launching share-auto initiatives at all Metro stations. Despite repeated proposals, the share-auto service has not been implemented due to a lack of cooperation from autorickshaw unions. Feeder buses to areas such as Magarpatta from Kalyaninagar Metro station remain unavailable, adding to commuter frustration.
From a sustainability standpoint, inadequate last-mile transport undermines the very purpose of Metro expansion—reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. If commuters are forced to use private vehicles or rely on expensive auto rides due to poor connectivity, it counteracts the environmental benefits of Metro travel. Recognising this, Maha Metro has partnered with TS Switch E-Ride Pvt Ltd to introduce e-bikes at 10 key Metro stations, including PCMC, Shivajinagar, and Swargate. This initiative, branded ‘Switch e-Ride,’ will launch with 50 e-bikes, allowing commuters to complete their journey via an app-based rental service. However, experts suggest that a larger-scale solution, such as enhanced public transport coordination and policy-level interventions, is essential to achieving long-term urban mobility goals. As Pune’s Metro network expands, ensuring last-mile connectivity will be pivotal in shaping the city’s sustainable transport future.
