Pune commuters are set to benefit from faster and more frequent metro services as Maha Metro reduces train intervals to six minutes during peak hours starting August 15. The upgrade will add 64 extra trips daily, raising the total number of daily trips across the Phase I network from 490 to 554 and directly benefiting more than two lakh passengers.
The network, spanning 33.2 kilometres across the PCMC–Swargate and Vanaz–Ramwadi corridors, features 27.2 km of elevated tracks and a 6 km underground stretch. It serves key stations including Shivajinagar, District Court, Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, connecting residential, commercial, and administrative hubs efficiently. Peak-hour services will operate between 8 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 8 pm, while off-peak intervals will remain at 10 minutes. Officials highlighted that the decision follows two months of operational trials, confirming that the system can safely handle the shorter turnaround time without affecting passenger comfort or train safety.
Maha Metro experts emphasised that the enhancement will be particularly valuable during the upcoming Ganpati festival, a period marked by a surge in commuters. Faster frequency is expected to significantly reduce waiting times, decongest platforms, and improve overall passenger experience, reinforcing Pune Metro’s role as an eco-friendly alternative to road transport. The network currently serves over 2 lakh daily passengers, with usage steadily increasing since July. Officials also noted that the augmented frequency is aligned with the city’s broader objectives of promoting sustainable, low-carbon urban mobility and ensuring equitable access to public transit across all neighbourhoods.
This expansion underscores Pune Metro’s commitment to integrating high-capacity, reliable mass transit into the city’s transport ecosystem, reducing dependency on private vehicles, and mitigating traffic congestion and pollution. Enhanced service intervals are expected to improve commuter satisfaction, encourage more citizens to adopt public transport, and support the city’s vision of a sustainable, people-centric urban environment. Maha Metro officials are closely monitoring operational performance and passenger response, stating that additional service adjustments may follow based on ridership patterns, particularly during peak festival periods. With the new schedule, Pune Metro consolidates its position as a key pillar of the city’s modern and sustainable mobility framework.
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