Ganeshotsav Rush Pushes Pune Metro Ridership Past 2.62 Lakh

Pune: Pune Metro recorded a strong start to Ganeshotsav as more than 2.62 lakh passengers used the network on the opening day of the festival, highlighting the growing preference for public transport during Pune’s festive rush.

Official Pune Metro data shows that 2,62,671 passenger journeys were recorded on September 14. Of these, 1,45,002 were on the Purple Line and 1,17,669 on the Aqua Line. The overall figure was 46,297 higher than the 2,16,374 passengers reported on the corresponding festival day last year, representing growth of around 21.4%.

Central Pune stations experienced particularly heavy footfall as devotees travelled to prominent Ganpati mandals. Mahatma Phule Mandai station handled 51,533 passengers, compared with 42,334 last year, an increase of 21.73%. The District Court interchange recorded 58,948 passengers, up from 48,359, marking growth of 21.89%.

With larger crowds expected as Ganeshotsav progresses, Pune Metro has introduced a special operating plan. Services will follow the regular 6 am to 11 pm schedule from September 14 to 16. From September 17 to 24, trains will operate until 2 am, with services planned at approximately five-minute intervals during peak periods.

Metro authorities have also introduced measures to reduce congestion at stations serving the city's central Ganpati areas. Commuters have been encouraged to use Kasba Peth, PMC, Deccan Gymkhana and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan stations where suitable instead of concentrating at Mandai and the District Court interchange. Mandai station has also been given separate entry and exit arrangements for better crowd movement.

The first-day numbers indicate that Pune Metro is increasingly becoming an important travel option during major city celebrations, particularly when road congestion and parking restrictions make private vehicle travel difficult.