As Pune gears up for the Ganeshotsav celebrations, the Pune Metro is making significant adjustments to accommodate the increased number of passengers. This year, the Metro will extend its service hours and frequency to manage the surge effectively.
Extended Service Hours
From September 7 to 9, the Pune Metro will operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. However, to better serve the public during the Ganeshotsav festivities, the operating hours will be extended. From September 10 to 16, the Metro will run from 6:00 AM until midnight. On the final day of the celebrations, September 17, the Metro will operate continuously for 24 hours. This means it will run from 6:00 AM on September 17 until 6:00 AM on September 18.
This extended service is expected to ease transportation challenges during the busy festival period. The Metro’s decision to extend hours reflects its commitment to supporting the city’s transportation needs during significant events.
Digital Ticketing Encouraged
To manage the high volume of passengers expected, Pune Metro is encouraging the use of digital ticketing options. Passengers can use the Pune Metro mobile app or WhatsApp for ticket purchases. This move aims to reduce long queues and crowding at ticket counters. By promoting digital ticketing, the Metro hopes to provide a smoother and more efficient travel experience for its users.
Increased Bus Services
In addition to the extended Metro hours, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is also ramping up its services. PMPML will deploy 800 additional buses in two phases to support the transportation needs during Ganeshotsav.
The first phase will see 168 additional buses operating on September 9, 10, and 16. The second phase will add 620 more buses, which will be in service from September 11 to 15. These buses will be part of special “Yatra” services designed to handle the increased passenger load during the festival.
Fares and Passes
Satish Gate, the public relations officer of PMPML, has announced that while the special Yatra buses will run as scheduled, there will be an increase in fares for buses operating during the second shift. The fare will rise by Rs 5. Furthermore, passes will not be valid on these buses after midnight. This adjustment is intended to manage the additional costs associated with the extended service hours and higher demand.
Traffic Management
With the anticipated influx of people in central Pune, traffic congestion is expected to be a major issue. To mitigate this, traffic authorities will implement vehicle diversions to alternate routes. These measures are aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smooth traffic flow during the festival.
The Pune Metro has taken proactive steps to accommodate the increased passenger traffic during Ganeshotsav. By extending its service hours and encouraging digital ticketing, the Metro aims to provide a more convenient and efficient travel experience. Simultaneously, PMPML’s deployment of additional buses and adjustments to bus fares and passes will help manage transportation needs across the city. With these preparations, both the Metro and PMPML are working to ensure that Pune’s Ganeshotsav celebrations are supported by reliable and efficient public transportation.