The Swargate Metro station to the MSRTC bus terminus at Jedhe Chowk is nearing completion and is expected to open by mid-May. This crucial infrastructure project, overseen by Maha Metro, aims to address the significant traffic congestion and safety concerns that currently plague the area.
Commuters using the Swargate Metro station or the bus terminus have long faced the challenge of crossing the chaotic Jedhe Chowk and Satara Road, navigating through dense traffic comprising buses, private vehicles, and auto-rickshaws. The installation of barricades around the bus terminus further hampers pedestrian movement and adds to the confusion. The upcoming subway, which will provide direct access from the Metro station to the bus terminus, is expected to significantly reduce the risks and time associated with crossing these busy roads. While the subway project was originally anticipated to be completed earlier, progress has been slower than expected. Sources from Maha Metro explained that the primary delay was due to restrictions imposed by the traffic police, who were unwilling to close Jedhe Chowk completely due to the high volume of traffic passing through the area. This led to the decision to divide the work into five phases, causing a further delay. Despite the challenges, officials are optimistic that the remaining work will be finished by mid-May without the need for traffic disruptions.
The subway project comes at a critical time for the Swargate bus terminus, which has recently been in the spotlight due to an alarming safety incident. A reported rape at the facility last month has raised concerns about the safety and security of commuters, especially women, at the bus terminus. The new subway, designed to ensure safer and smoother commuter movement, is seen as an essential step in addressing these concerns.
The delay in the subway’s opening has left many commuters frustrated. A regular user of both the Metro and bus services, expressed his disappointment over the hold-up, citing the inconvenience and danger of having to cross busy roads. “The subway was expected to be functional by the start of 2025, but six months after the opening of the Swargate Metro station, it is still not operational. Commuters are forced to risk their safety by crossing the road, which is both time-consuming and dangerous,” he said. Maha Metro officials have assured the public that the remaining work will be completed soon, providing much-needed relief to commuters. As the subway nears its completion, it holds the promise of reducing travel time, enhancing safety, and improving the overall commuting experience for thousands of Pune residents.
This infrastructure project represents a significant step forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to improve public transport connectivity and ensure safer, more efficient travel for its residents. With the subway’s completion, Pune is set to benefit from enhanced urban mobility, contributing to its long-term goal of building a sustainable, eco-friendly, and equitable transport system.
