Pune Metro Plans To Boost Train Frequency To Every 3 Minutes During Rush Hour

Maha Metro is planning to increase train frequency to every three minutes during peak hours, aiming to make travel easier for commuters.

This change will be implemented after the PCMCSwargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi routes become fully operational, according to TOI.

Currently, trains run every seven minutes during rush hours on these routes. Officials stated that the frequency will gradually increase, starting with five-minute intervals before reaching three minutes. Studies are underway to assess the technical requirements for these enhancements.

Frequent commuters have noted that trains are often crowded during peak times. Nagesh Gadkari, who regularly travels from Ramwadi to Civil Court station, pointed out that Metro trains in Mumbai have more than three coaches. He believes that Maha Metro can also operate longer trains during rush hours.

In September, Pune Metro saw daily ridership rise to 1.5 lakh, a significant jump from 50,000 last year, thanks to the opening of new stations on the Swargate and Vanaz routes. The daily footfall is expected to reach 2 lakh in the next six months.

Maha Metro officials confirmed that the priority is to increase train frequency first, with adding more coaches planned for the future. “Last year, trains ran every 10-15 minutes. Now, we have improved that to every seven minutes during peak hours and 10 minutes during non-peak hours. Currently, 28 stations are operational on the two routes. We are preparing both routes to handle a three-minute frequency,” a Metro official told TOI.

Commuters like Pritam Gote have expressed satisfaction with the service but highlighted the need for better last-mile connectivity, particularly the lack of feeder autorickshaw services at some stations. Gote emphasized that improving transport options to and from Metro stations would enhance the overall commuting experience.