Pune Metro Infrastructure Upgrades Aim For Smoother Transit
Pune’s urban transit network received a significant operational boost as a new underpass linking the Swargate Metro station with the MSRTC bus terminus opened to commuters. The development is intended to streamline passenger movement between rail and road networks in one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, reinforcing the multimodal design of Pune’s growing metro system.
While the underpass promises quicker access for daily commuters and intercity travellers, city residents expressed frustration over delays in completing a second critical entry-exit point that would connect the station to cultural and recreational areas such as Ganesh Kala Krida Manch and Sarasbaug. Urban mobility experts note that incomplete station access points can undermine the efficiency of high-capacity transit nodes and affect last-mile connectivity. Swargate station, a key node on the Swargate–PCMC Metro corridor, is among the city’s most heavily trafficked metro stations. Currently, two of the three planned entry-exit points are operational, offering partial relief to commuters navigating congested roads. Officials indicated that construction on the remaining access point has been accelerated, but is unlikely to be completed before the monsoon season. This delay underscores the challenges of urban infrastructure projects in densely built areas, where coordination between transport, municipal, and civic authorities is essential.
Metro users have also highlighted the absence of a dedicated parking facility at Swargate, calling attention to broader issues of urban integration. A permanent parking solution could reduce roadside congestion and support equitable, inclusive access to public transport for both private vehicle owners and pedestrians. Additionally, improperly parked vehicles and autorickshaws around the station continue to hinder smooth transit flow, pointing to the need for stricter enforcement of traffic management regulations. Elsewhere, the Pune Metro has introduced new entry-exit points at Shivajinagar and PCMC stations, improving pedestrian safety and reducing the need to cross busy roads. Urban planners emphasise that clear signage and pathway delineation are crucial for maximising the benefits of such infrastructural enhancements.
Looking ahead, officials signalled potential increases in train frequency on the PCMC–Swargate and Vanaz–Ramwadi routes once the Shivajinagar–Hinjewadi line becomes operational. Analysts suggest that scaling capacity and improving station access simultaneously will be vital for promoting zero-carbon, resilient transit corridors, supporting sustainable urban growth, and easing economic activity across Pune. The recent underpass at Swargate represents a step toward more integrated, climate-conscious urban transport, yet the incomplete network highlights ongoing challenges in achieving fully inclusive, efficient, and people-first mobility in rapidly growing Indian cities.
