Pune Metro to Revamp JM Road Parking for Commuters
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to transfer the long-unused mechanised parking lot at JM Road to Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) to ease parking woes for commuters. The facility, built at a cost of ₹2.5 crore near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan, has been lying defunct for nearly a decade due to mismanagement and lack of maintenance. The decision, approved by PMC’s rent and security deposit determination committee, is expected to bring much-needed relief to Pune Metro users, who have struggled with inadequate parking since the service began in March 2022. By handing over the facility, the civic body aims to repurpose an idle asset while supporting sustainable urban mobility. The move also aligns with broader efforts to improve last-mile connectivity for Metro commuters, many of whom face daily challenges in securing parking spaces near stations.
The parking facility’s turbulent past raises questions about PMC’s governance and oversight. Originally, the structure was leased to a contractor for public use, but a subsequent probe revealed its misuse for storing showroom cars linked to a politician’s private vehicle business. This led to PMC reclaiming the lot, yet the facility remained shut for seven to eight years due to lack of funds and political will. With Pune Metro struggling to provide adequate parking spaces along its Vanaz-Ramwadi route, Maha-Metro formally requested PMC to transfer the lot on a revenue-sharing basis in 2022. Under the new agreement, PMC will receive 80% of the revenue while Maha-Metro will retain 20%. This model, though financially beneficial for the civic body, places the burden of repair and maintenance on Maha-Metro, raising concerns about whether the Metro operator has sufficient funds to restore the facility promptly.
From an urban mobility perspective, reviving this parking space is a crucial step towards making Pune’s public transport system more efficient. Pune Metro’s ridership has been steadily growing, with thousands of daily passengers relying on the service for their commute. However, the lack of dedicated parking spaces near stations has discouraged many potential users from switching to Metro travel, forcing them to depend on private vehicles. With JM Road being a high-traffic commercial area, the revival of this facility is expected to ease congestion, reduce illegal parking, and encourage greater Metro adoption. However, urban planners argue that Pune still lacks a comprehensive, integrated transport policy that seamlessly connects Metro stations with other modes of public transport. While the parking transfer is a positive step, authorities must also consider introducing feeder services, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and cycling lanes to further enhance last-mile connectivity.
From a sustainability standpoint, repurposing existing infrastructure is a more eco-friendly approach than constructing new parking facilities. Instead of allowing a ₹2.5 crore public investment to go to waste, PMC’s decision ensures that resources are utilised effectively without additional environmental impact. However, the long-term sustainability of such projects depends on their integration with broader urban planning initiatives. Mechanised parking systems, if maintained properly, can optimise space and reduce land consumption in densely populated cities like Pune. Moreover, sustainable urban mobility solutions should go beyond just parking spaces—incorporating electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, better public transport integration, and smart parking technologies. While handing over the JM Road parking lot to Maha-Metro is a welcome move, PMC must also focus on broader policies that prioritise non-motorised transport, reduce dependency on private vehicles, and create a truly sustainable urban mobility framework for Pune.
