By offering a dependable, economical and environmentally responsible form of transit, the Pune Metro system is making a substantial contribution to the city’s transport ecosystem. In an interview with Indian Infrastructure, Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director, Maha Metro, highlights the progress and key milestones in the past year, the digitalisation and technology advancements, the key challenges, focus areas and future plans. Excerpts…
How is the metro system contributing to the city’s transportation ecosystem? What have been the key achievements/milestones in the past one year?
The metro system is significantly contributing to Pune city’s transportation ecosystem by providing a reliable, efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport. It helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers air pollution by decreasing the number of private vehicles on the road and offers a faster alternative to other forms of public transportation.
Increased ridership: The Pune Metro system has seen a significant increase in daily ridership, with the daily average reaching more than 140,000 riders per day. This number is expected to grow further with the opening of the remaining sections, reflecting the metro’s increasing popularity and trust among city residents.
Extension of existing metro lines: Pune Metro has received approval from both the state and central governments to extend its existing lines: the northern extension, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)-Nigdi Line 1A; and the southern extension, Swargate-Katraj Line 1B.
Commercial operation of sections: The opening of the sections from Civil Court to Ruby Hall and from Ruby Hall to Ramwadi has significantly improved connectivity in these areas, which are major hubs comprising information technology (IT) parks, schools, colleges, banks, entertainment and residential areas. The District Court to Swargate stretch will be commercially opened for the public, soon.
Multimodal integration: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) feeder bus services are operating at nine metro stations, facilitating first and last-mile commutes for nearly 8,000 commuters daily on 14 routes, with 39 buses operating. Efforts are also being made to integrate the metro with other modes of transportation, such as a rental cycle service, electric vehicles (EVs) and rickshaws, to provide seamless transit options for commuters at other stations.
Sustainability initiatives: The metro system has adopted green initiatives, including the use of solar panels on station rooftops and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.
Technological upgrades: Advanced ticketing systems have been introduced, such as digital ticketing via WhatsApp, the Pune Metro app and various other modes including ticket office machines, kiosks and automated ticket vending machines (ATVMs). Tap & Go – National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Maha Cards, Ek Pune Cards and Pune Metro student passes are available for the convenience of citizens. Currently, 44,527 people are using the NCMC Maha Card and 13,937 students are using the Vidyarthi Pass.
Other achievements include station building conforming to the energy-efficient Indian Green Building Council Platinum Rating Standard; 100 per cent water recycling at stations with zero effluent discharge; a no tree cutting policy (with 2,267 trees transplanted and 17,986 new trees planted); and contracts being awarded under the Renewable Energy Service Company model on a public-private partnership basis, thereby saving Rs 400 million.
How are digitalisation and technology advancements assisting in project execution, operations and passenger facilitation?
Digitalisation and technology advancements play a crucial role in efficient project execution, operations and passenger facilitation at Pune Metro. First and foremost, safety is ensured through advanced technologies. All trains operate in a protected mode, minimising the risk of collisions or derailments. In addition, the entire system and all metro stations are under constant surveillance with CCTV cameras, which are also installed inside trains and monitored in real time from the operation control centre. This guarantees passenger safety. Pune Metro also has state-of-the-art remote monitoring systems for crucial infrastructure, including lifts, escalators and energy systems, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
In terms of eco-friendly practices, Pune Metro has adopted paperless operations and maintenance activities. We have also implemented automatic power factor correction equipment at our receiving substations and auxiliary substations, leading to reduced electricity consumption and lower monthly bills.
Our Communication-Based Train Control Signalling System enhances safety and efficiency by enabling high-frequency train operations with precision. Escalators in Pune Metro are built under the “Make in India” initiative, designed without intermediate support to further promote innovation. Pune Metro has also begun using its first aluminium-made, lightweight coach, with a carrying capacity of approximately 989 passengers at a time. Moreover, Pune Metro is actively working on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning-based video analytics to improve safety and operations.
As for passenger convenience, Pune Metro has introduced a fully digital ticketing system. Tickets can be purchased via WhatsApp or through QR-code-enabled ticket kiosks and ATVM. The Pune Metro app allows users to book both metro tickets as well as feeder services such as rickshaws.
What steps are being taken to improve last-mile connectivity and enhance multimodal integration?
To improve last-mile connectivity and enhance multimodal integration, Pune Metro, in collaboration with PMPML, has introduced a feeder bus service. Currently, nine metro stations are integrated with this service – PCMC, Bhosari (Nashik Phata), District Court, Shivaji Nagar, Vanaz, Deccan Gymkhana, Nal Stop, Yerwada and Ramwadi. It is operating on 14 routes with 39 buses, benefiting at least 8,000 commuters daily by offering seamless transit options. Furthermore, we have integrated apps such as “O Rickshaw” within the Pune Metro app, allowing commuters to conveniently book rickshaws for their first and last-mile journeys.
Pune Metro is also running a social media campaign that encourages passengers to walk to their final destination if it is within walking distance. To further support eco-friendly commuting, Pune Metro advocates for the use of bicycles for short-distance travel. We are exploring partnerships to provide bicycle rental and EV (e-rickshaw, e-bikes) facilities near metro stations in the near future, offering an even broader range of options for last-mile connectivity.
Pune Metro also conducts “Metro Samvaad” with schools, colleges, various small and large organisations, multinational corporations, and IT hubs, wherein we engage in face-to-face conversations with people, addressing their queries and doubts, and answering their questions.
By focusing on a multimodal transport approach, Pune Metro is helping to create a more connected, sustainable and commuter-friendly urban transport system, aligning with the city’s larger mobility and environmental goals.
What are some of the key challenges?
One of the key challenges faced during the Pune Metro project was the delay caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions during the second and third waves slowed down construction and extended timelines beyond what was initially planned.
In addition, we encountered a significant issue with the East-West corridor. The original alignment passed near the Aga Khan Palace, and we were unable to secure the necessary no-objection certificate from the National Monuments Authority due to its proximity to the monument’s prohibited zone. As a result, we had to realign a 2 km section of the corridor, which caused a delay of nearly two years.
The North-South corridor had its own unique set of challenges. At Kasba Peth (Budhwar Peth metro station), we needed to relocate around 240 households to make way for the station. This issue was resolved by relocating the station to a nearby non-functional school plot, which also required a 1 km realignment. Another major hurdle was the acquisition of 900 meters of Defence land near Khadki.
In densely populated areas such as Kasba Peth and Mandai, narrow roads prevented the use of the standard open cut-and-cover method for constructing underground stations. To overcome this issue, we employed the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, which allowed us to work within the constraints of the area.
Lastly, public engagement remains an ongoing challenge, as shifting people’s behaviour from relying on private vehicles to using public transport is a gradual process.
What will be the key focus areas in the coming years? What are the plans for network expansion?
Pune Metro has made significant strides in its expansion plans to improve citywide connectivity. One of the key developments is the extension of PCMC-Nigdi Line 1A, for which we received approval from the Government of India on October 23, 2023. The foundation stone for this project was laid on August 6, 2024, and construction has begun. This 4.41 km stretch will have four new stations and is expected to be completed by 2026.
The Common Mobility Plan (CPM) revised in 2024, which will finalise the future expansion of Pune Metro, where we aim to bring every resident in the Pune city within 3km range, and this will be executed in the coming 10 to 15 years.
Future expansions include the Vanaz to Chandani Chowk line and the Ramwadi to Kharadi extension. These projects are awaiting approval, but are vital for enhancing connectivity to the western corridor and IT/business hubs such as Kharadi, further supporting Pune’s growing urban infrastructure. A proposed detailed project report for the Khadakwasla–Swargate–Hadapsar–Kharadi line, with 22 stations spanning 25.62 km, is also in progress.
In addition to these expansions, we are focusing on improving last-mile connectivity and multimodal integration. Our goal is to ensure seamless travel for residents while boosting economic activity by making key areas more accessible. These strategic expansions and integrations will play a pivotal role in enhancing Pune’s transport ecosystem over the next few years.
