Pune Metro to run 41 hour nonstop services for Ganesh Visarjan
Pune will witness uninterrupted metro services this Ganesh Visarjan weekend, as MahaMetro gears up to manage the expected surge in commuter traffic. For the first time, metro trains across the city will operate continuously for 41 hours, offering relief to thousands of devotees and daily passengers moving between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
Officials confirmed that trains will run from Saturday morning until late Sunday night, clocking a remarkable 1,390 trips across the Vanaz–Ramwadi and Pimpri Chinchwad–Swargate corridors. The frequency of trains on the busiest routes, particularly Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate, has been set at a minimum of three minutes, ensuring quick turnaround and reduced waiting times during peak festive hours.
The decision comes in response to the overwhelming ridership seen during Ganesh Chaturthi this year. With immersion ceremonies drawing large crowds into the city centre, key stations such as Mahatma Phule Mandai, Kasba Peth, Shivajinagar Court and Swargate are expected to witness high footfall. To avoid congestion, officials have advised passengers to consider alternative entry and exit points, especially at Mandai station, which is anticipated to face maximum pressure.
Transport experts have praised the initiative, calling it a significant step towards shifting festive mobility from private vehicles to public transport. By extending hours and ensuring rapid frequency, Pune Metro is expected to not only reduce traffic bottlenecks but also contribute to lower emissions during a period when vehicular congestion traditionally worsens.
Additional manpower has been deployed in two shifts across the network to guide passengers and streamline boarding. An independent operational strategy has been drawn up for the Shivajinagar Court–Swargate stretch, where demand is predicted to spike. Officials stressed that commuters’ cooperation would be critical, especially by allowing passengers to alight before boarding and adhering to safety protocols.Urban planners note that such measures underscore the increasing role of mass transit in managing the challenges of modern Indian cities. With urban festivals placing immense stress on traffic networks, public transport solutions like continuous metro services provide both immediate relief and long-term sustainability benefits.
While the initiative has been welcomed by civic groups and passenger associations alike, it also highlights the growing demand for an expanded metro footprint in Pune. For now, however, the city’s residents and visitors will benefit from the longest continuous metro operation in its history, ensuring smoother mobility during one of Maharashtra’s most significant cultural weekends.By combining efficiency with sustainability, Pune Metro’s move sets an example of how urban infrastructure can adapt to the cultural rhythm of a city while keeping its future aspirations firmly aligned with green mobility goals.
