To accommodate the influx of visitors during the Ganesh Festival, Pune Metro has announced extended service hours. From September 7 to 9, the metro will operate from 6 am to 11 pm. However, from September 10 to 16, the operating hours will be extended to midnight to facilitate the increased travel demand. On Anant Chaturdashi, September 17, the metro will run continuously for 24 hours, concluding at 6 am on September 18.
Maha-Metro has also announced increased train frequency to manage the anticipated crowds, particularly in areas with prominent ‘Manache Ganpati’ such as the Peth areas. To minimize waiting times, passengers are encouraged to utilize digital ticketing options like the Pune Metro mobile app and WhatsApp ticketing.
The extension of service hours comes at a time when Pune Metro is experiencing a significant surge in ridership. Following the opening of the Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi route, daily passenger numbers have risen consistently. In June 2024, daily ridership surpassed one lakh, and by August 2024, this figure grew by 20%, reaching 1,18,241 passengers daily. This surge has led to a significant increase in revenue, with Pune Metro earning ₹5.69 crore in ticket revenue for August, translating to an average daily income of ₹18.68 lakh.
Analysis of ridership data reveals that 29% of passengers traveled on the Pimpri Chinchwad to District Court route, while 71% utilized the Ramwadi to Vanaz route. Importantly, 70% of passengers opted for digital ticketing, establishing Pune Metro as a leader in India’s digital ticketing landscape.
