The Pune Metro network, serving over 45 million riders annually, unveiled three commuter‑friendly upgrades on Monday, 9 June 2025: escalators at Kasarwadi (Purple Line) and Ramwadi (Aqua Line), and the newly activated Gate No. 3 at Mandai station. These enhancements mark a welcome stride in accessibility for seniors, families and those with luggage, yet are overshadowed by drainage shortcomings nearby.
The escalators—now fully functional at Ramwadi’s Gate 2 and Kasarwadi’s Gate 3—eliminate the need for belts or elevators to board each station, streamlining ingress during rush hours. Pune Metro officials stated these additions underscore their commitment to inclusive transit infrastructure. At Mandai station, the newly inaugurated Gate No. 3, near the iconic Mahatma Phule Mandai, eases access to the Tilak Statue and bustling Tulshibaug market. It is expected to disperse commuter traffic more effectively, offering relief at this high‑footfall junction. Despite these gains in commuter convenience, residents are raising alarms over waterlogging near the Kalyani Nagar station during recent monsoon showers. Overflowing puddles have submerged pedestrian walkways, forcing commuters to walk on the busy road and heightening risks from vehicular traffic .
Local civic authorities admit they had instructed Pune Metro (MahaMetro) to create small openings in road dividers beneath elevated corridors—allowing water to drain during rainfall. However, metro officials refute receiving such directives and claim compliance with all building codes. A senior engineer from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s drainage department confirmed repeated notice was served before monsoon, citing the need for infrastructure safeguards and responsible waste disposal The drainage deficiency at Kalyani Nagar is not isolated; nearby areas including Wakdewadi, Hinjewadi and Pune Cantonment have suffered repeated pre‑monsoon flooding due to clogged drains and infrastructure delays . Urban planners warn that without multi-agency coordination and timely intervention, even well-intended transit developments can undermine public safety and city resilience.
Accessibility experts praised the escalators and gate opening—key elements of an inclusive transit network aligned with gender-neutral, equitable design. “These upgrades support barriers-free access for pregnant women, differently-abled commuters, elderly users and students,” said a senior urban transport consultant. “They reflect Pune’s commitment to sustainable, commuter-centred metro operations.” Conversely, drainage flaws have already precipitated accidents: in one incident near Kalyani Nagar, a commuter slipped into stagnant water, suffering minor injuries. Pedestrians report zigzagging into slow-moving traffic, while motorists express frustration at sudden congestion. Temporary, shallow puddles are now breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising public health concerns.
The PMC has indicated potential punitive action if the metro authority fails to implement drainage directives within a fortnight. Metro officials, however, attribute the responsibility to civic engineers. The official stance: Pune Metro’s job ends at station construction, while road and water infrastructure remains a municipal liability Public reactions are divided. Some residents appreciate the escalators and extra gate, citing smoother rides and reduced commute strain. Others lament that commuter safety remains inconsistent, with infrastructure gaps offsetting progress. Civic groups are now calling for routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and clearer roles between transport and civic bodies.
Transport analysts argue that integrated planning is indispensable in rapidly growing urban centres. The expansion of suburban rail or bus rapid transit must synchronise with utility services to bolster resilience. Escalators and gates highlight the ‘people-first’ design philosophy; but failing to combine pedestrian safety with flood‑safe infrastructure risks fostering a fragmented transit network. Looking ahead, recommendations include mandating joint site audits before metro openings, requiring guaranteed drainage compliance, and fast-tracking municipal permits during monsoon preparedness. Pune Metro could also install temporary water‑pump systems under viaducts as interim relief, pending long-term structural fixes.
With Line 2 (Aqua) and Line 1 (Purple) fully operational since March‑September 2024, the network extends across 33 km and 53 stations, including key connections such as Vanaz, Ruby Hall Clinic, Bund Garden and Ramwadi. Ridership continues to grow, averaging thousands per day at busy nodes like Kasarwadi and Mandai. The escalator and gate updates signal positive enhancements to liveriding experience but highlight the ecosystem-wide challenges of governance. These developments underscore Pune’s ambition to forge zero‑carbon, eco‑friendly, equitable urban transit. Yet real-world shortcomings like waterlogging illustrate that infrastructure ecosystems are only as strong as their weakest link. Unless civic agencies align, commuter experience may oscillate between enhancement and hazard.
As the city enters full monsoon season, commuters and experts alike will be watching whether Pune Metro and PMC bridge their coordination gaps—or leave pedestrians wading through progress.
Also Read : Mumbai Railways to add automatic doors in non AC trains after mishap
