Pune Metro Line 3 has received 11 new feeder bus routes and an extension to one existing service, as the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) begins expanding last-mile connectivity between residential areas, employment hubs and metro stations along the Maan-Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar corridor.
The new services began on November 4, a day after Pune Metro Line 3 was inaugurated. PMPML said the 12 routes will be operated with 25 scheduled buses making a combined 620 trips. The transport undertaking has also announced 22 new bus stops corresponding to stations and key locations along the corridor.
Among the new services, Metro Shuttle No. 31 will run between Pimpri Metro Station and Wakad Chowk Metro Station. Metro Shuttle No. 41 will connect Maan MIDC Circle Phase 2 Metro Station with Nilsoft Company and Infosys Phase 3, linking metro access with major employment destinations in the Hinjawadi area.
Other routes are intended to connect residential and institutional areas with Metro Line 3 stations. These include services between Mahalunge Gaon and TCS Maan Metro Station, TCS Maan Metro Station and Podar International School in Bhoirwadi, Indira University in Tathawade and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk Metro Station, and Koyte Vasti in Punawale and Padmabhushan Chowk Metro Station.
Additional feeder services will connect Lavale Phata, Blue Ridge Society, Girme Park, Embassy TechZone Parking and Joyvilla Society with metro stations. PMPML has also extended Metro Shuttle No. 50, which operates between MITCON Metro Station in Balewadi and Chandegaon.
The 22 new bus stops cover stations and access points including TCS/Maan, Maan MIDC Circle Phase 2, Maan Bus Depot, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Circle, Wipro Circle, Padmabhushan Chowk, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Hinjawadi Phase 1 and Wakad Chowk.
The list also includes Sports Complex Mahalunge, MITCON Balewadi, R.K. Laxman Sai Chowk, Balewadi High Street, Balewadi Phata, Baner Gaon, Mahabaleshwar Hotel, Baner Phata-Aundh, Sakalnagar, Savitribai Phule Pune University, RBI Bank, Agriculture College and Shivajinagar Metro stations.
PMPML had previously introduced feeder services for metro stations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in phases. The latest expansion follows the opening of Metro Line 3 and is aimed at improving access to the corridor for commuters travelling from nearby residential neighbourhoods, educational institutions and commercial locations.
PMPML has appealed to commuters to use the newly introduced feeder services. The announced routes, scheduled bus deployment and new stops will determine how effectively the metro corridor is connected to the areas beyond its stations.
