Pune Metro has witnessed a steady increase in ridership and revenue over the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the growing dependence of the city’s commuters on the mass transit system. The metro service recorded a total revenue of ₹21.6 crore between January and March, with cumulative ridership crossing 1.37 crore during this period.
Despite the fluctuations in revenue and commuter footfall across the months, the figures indicate a strong acceptance of the metro as a preferred mode of transport in the city.
In March alone, Pune Metro earned ₹7.01 crore, while ridership reached 44.81 lakh, marking a slight improvement from February but falling short of January’s performance. The metro corridor connecting Ramwadi to Vanaz emerged as the higher revenue-generating route, contributing ₹3.85 crore with a ridership of 25.35 lakh. Meanwhile, the Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate line recorded revenue of ₹3.16 crore with 19.46 lakh passengers. In comparison, January saw the highest revenue collection of ₹7.87 crore, with ridership peaking at 49.64 lakh, whereas February’s figures stood at ₹6.73 crore and 43.07 lakh passengers, respectively. The month-on-month variations indicate a range of factors at play, including seasonal trends, work schedules, and city-wide mobility patterns.
With the ridership stabilising, authorities are looking towards the expansion of the metro network to further strengthen Pune’s public transport infrastructure. The much-anticipated third metro line, connecting Shivajinagar to Hinjawadi, is expected to commence operations by the end of the year, following a delay in project execution. The concessionaire responsible for the project has sought an extension until September to complete construction work, with trial runs likely to begin between October and November. Officials have confirmed that nearly 85% of the overall construction work has been completed, with a critical integrated flyover at a major city junction slated for completion in April. The upcoming line is expected to significantly ease congestion in one of Pune’s busiest IT corridors, improving connectivity for thousands of daily commuters. While the existing metro corridors have demonstrated positive growth, sustained success will depend on continued investment in expansion, last-mile connectivity, and commuter-centric initiatives. Accessibility remains a key challenge, with many passengers relying on feeder services and shared mobility solutions to reach metro stations. Authorities are exploring solutions to enhance the network’s efficiency and appeal, including improved station facilities, seamless ticketing systems, and sustainable mobility options. The metro’s role in reducing Pune’s traffic congestion and carbon footprint is also being closely examined, as urban planners push for policies that encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport.
With the city’s rapid urbanisation, a robust metro network will be crucial in shaping Pune’s mobility landscape in the years to come. While the revenue figures indicate a promising trajectory, the focus must remain on enhancing service reliability, affordability, and inclusivity. As the metro system expands, it has the potential to redefine how residents navigate the city, fostering a sustainable and efficient urban transit ecosystem.
