Pune Metro Enhances Connectivity with New Footbridge
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) are in talks to construct a foot overbridge (FOB) to link the Civil Court and Shivajinagar Metro stations. This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to expedite the development of the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro corridor, which is set to enhance connectivity across the city.
The Shivajinagar Metro Station, which will be the terminal point for the Hinjewadi line, is located a mere 200 meters from the already operational Civil Court Metro Station. The upcoming Shivajinagar station, a key development under the PMRDA, is set to become a crucial hub in the city’s metro network. While discussions between Maha Metro and PMRDA regarding the design and location of the FOB are still in their preliminary stages, both entities are keen on ensuring the bridge is completed in tandem with the station’s construction to provide seamless transfers for commuters once the new metro line is operational.
According to a senior Maha Metro official, the foot overbridge will facilitate smoother interchange between the two Metro stations, easing the transition between lines for passengers. The goal is to have the overbridge ready at the same time as the station, ensuring that commuters can make use of the new infrastructure without delay. This will also provide a much-needed solution to the anticipated increase in foot traffic between these two stations.
Space for the overbridge will not pose a challenge, as the Civil Court Metro Station is already a well-established transit point. It is anticipated that the area will be able to handle the additional load once the new metro line opens to the public. This strategic planning ensures that the transition between lines is as frictionless as possible, which is critical for maintaining smooth operations in a growing urban transport system like Pune’s.
Alongside this initiative, Maha Metro has also begun collaborating with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to enhance bus connectivity to the Civil Court Metro Station. Currently, the number of PMPML bus services operating in the vicinity is limited, and commuters have voiced concerns over the inadequate frequency of buses linking key parts of the city to the metro station. In response, Maha Metro is working closely with PMPML to improve last-mile connectivity, aiming to introduce additional bus routes to streamline access to the metro and reduce congestion.
Officials from Maha Metro have expressed their commitment to improving commuter experience and ensuring that the metro system functions efficiently as the city’s transport infrastructure grows. By improving both foot access and bus connectivity, they hope to foster greater use of the metro and encourage more sustainable public transport options for Pune’s residents.
With the construction of the foot overbridge, as well as the improvement of bus services, the city is taking significant steps to create a more integrated, accessible, and sustainable public transport system. These developments are likely to become a model for other growing cities in India, as urban centres look to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance mobility.
As Pune continues to grow and evolve, the addition of this foot overbridge and the expanded bus services will play an essential role in ensuring that the metro system is as effective and accessible as possible for all city dwellers.
