The newly launched Pune Metro Line 3, connecting Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, recorded an impressive turnout on its inaugural day of operations this Wednesday. According to official figures released by the Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, approximately 50,000 passengers utilized the new transit corridor during its first day of service, signaling a strong public interest in the region's expanding public transport infrastructure.
The District Court station stood out as a significant connectivity hub, accounting for nearly 25,000 of the total ridership. This station plays a critical role in the network, offering seamless integration with the Pune Railway Station and providing commuters with a streamlined travel experience across different segments of the city. Officials noted that the ability to transition efficiently between transit points has been a key factor in the high passenger count recorded during the launch phase.
Anil Kumar Saini, Chief Executive Officer of Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, described the initial public response as overwhelming. He highlighted the positive feedback received from citizens regarding the comfort, speed, and reliable connectivity offered by the new line. Saini stated that the company remains dedicated to maintaining a high standard of safety and convenience for all commuters as the service integrates into the city's daily commute patterns.
Looking ahead, authorities anticipate that ridership figures will likely climb over the next two weeks as regular business and professional activities resume following the festival holidays. To prepare for this expected rise in passenger volume, plans are already underway to revise the train frequency schedule. Officials confirmed that services will soon run every five minutes during peak hours and every eight minutes during non-peak hours to better manage the influx of travelers and reduce waiting times.
The implementation of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) has also proven successful, with passengers expressing appreciation for the convenience of using a single card for travel across all existing Pune Metro lines. This unified ticketing system is expected to simplify the commuting process significantly for regular users, encouraging more residents to shift from private vehicles to the metro system.
In a move aimed at promoting sustainable and integrated mobility, the administration has also permitted passengers to bring bicycles on board the metro trains. This policy change, introduced in response to direct commuter demand, is designed to bolster last-mile connectivity. By allowing cyclists to utilize the metro, the authorities hope to provide greater flexibility for those traveling to and from metro stations, thereby reducing the reliance on additional transport modes for short-distance trips.
The introduction of Line 3 is expected to drastically cut commute times, with the transit corridor estimated to reduce travel duration to approximately 40 minutes between terminal points. As the network matures, officials believe the project will play a vital role in addressing urban congestion and providing a viable, modern alternative for Pune’s growing population, particularly those traveling along the busy Hinjewadi IT corridor.
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