THREE MONTHS ONWARDS, DROP IN PUNE METRO RIDERSHIP

 

(Deccan Metro Station, Pune)

                                                                 

PUNE : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, flagged off metro trains to inaugurate the completed sections of two corridors under Pune Metro Phase-I. These sections, running from Phugewadi station to Civil Court station and Garware College station to Ruby Hall Clinic station, will connect crucial locations in Pune, such as Shivaji Nagar, Civil Court, Pune Municipal Corporation office, Pune RTO, and Pune railway station.After recent inauguration of extended corridor, Metro trains current run around 25 km in Pune on two lines. While the response from commuters was initially good, it has come down again.Here are some factors that are responsible for drop in ridership in Pune Metro. 

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION

Continuation of civil works near key Metro stations like the PMC, Shivajinagar, Pune station and Civil Court Road, even two months after they were opened for public, have posed problems to commuters.

Rohit Nanaware, IT Professional ,who daily travel in metro from civil court to vanaj said that a huge portion of road and footpath is still occupied for Metro works. because of this traffic congestion becomes worse.“Works dragging on after the inauguration of Metro services is not acceptable as it causes problems for commuters.” Rohit said.The Maha Metro officials said that Some works are being executed along with the PMC and are in the last phases of completion.

LACK OF PARKING

Sanket gaikwad, a student, pointed out that "I spent at least 15 minutes looking for a space to stand my bike before walking to the station. The situation is more or less similar at other stations, too. There is a need to provide some space for parking to reduce the burden on roadside parking,".Another commuter Pranjal kamra said that, “Major stations like Shivajinagar, Civil Court and Vanaz should  have parking space.beacause most of people use their personal vehicles to reach these major stations.” Pranjal also noted that the parking issue may resurface again in coming months as footfall is likely to go up with the extension of services till Civil Court.

A MahaMetro officials said they are working with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to provide space for parking.they also explained that, "It is challenging to get space for parking lots, but we are doing our best efforts.Major stations like Shivajinagar, Civil Court and Vanaz will have parking space,” they assured.

SHORT INITIAL ROUTES

Aarya Ambekar , who often passes by the PMC building, After communicating with her the issue of sudden drop in ridership in Pune metro .she quoted that “There have been various reasons for metro ridership going down at the moment. there is limited connectivity till now which may improve  once the under-construction lines are operational. non-availability of first and last-mile connectivity and limited parking facility at the metro stations for commuters are major reasons people are shying away from commuting in the Metro. the government needs to ensure that they complete the other lines as soon as possible.”

Prathamesh Shende , executive director (public relations) at Maha Metro said, “The inaugurated route was short ,and people travelling in it were coming only to enjoy a joyride. this led to a drop in the ridership after a month of inauguration. At least one entry-exit point at each station was made operational at the time of inauguration. Now, Maha Metro is providing more entry-exit points, considering the requirements of the next few years.”

REDUCTION IN FREQUENCY

With a steady decline in ridership. Pune Metro has reduced the frequency of its services on two short stretches. This might have discouraged some commuters from using the service.

Swargate resident Sanket Chavan said , “After recent inauguration, Pune metro has reduced the frequency of its services. this is going to affect Metro ridership. Metro don’t run till swargate. Swargate is one of central location. we have to use private vehicles or have to depend on autorickshaws or PMPML buses to reach near by metro stations. I personally think that unless Maha metro increase rides to cental places, ridership will not be enthused.”