Maha Metro plans to run trains at five-minute intervals during peak hours to manage the expected surge in commuters during Ganeshotsav, particularly over the final five days when daily ridership is projected to cross 2.5 lakh
Pune Metro recorded combined ridership of 2.77 lakh on Saturday during Dahi Handi, nearly 35,000 higher than the previous day’s 2.44 lakh. Because of its proximity to major Ganesh pandals and immersion procession routes, mandai station is expected to see the heaviest festive crowds.
Officials said spreading passengers across stations would help reduce congestion and ensure smoother movement during Ganeshotsav. Officials said they have coordinated with service providers to improve network strength at underground stations, with trials under way before the festive rush. Maha Metro may introduce separate entry and exit gates again to regulate passenger movement during peak periods. Commuters have been advised to use nearby stations such as PMC, Kasba Peth, Swargate and Civil Court instead of crowding Mandai. The increase has prompted officials to prepare for another significant rise during the Ganeshotsav celebrations. Regular Metro users have raised concerns over weak cellphone connectivity at underground stations, particularly Mandai and Swargate. Poor signals have reportedly caused payment failures and delays while purchasing digital tickets, prompting some commuters to seek additional ticket kiosks. Maha Metro is encouraging passengers to use online ticketing to avoid queues at counters. Devotees can carry Ganesh idols intended for home installations on Metro trains, Maha Metro has clarified. However, passengers cannot carry prohibited items, including matchboxes, firecrackers, knives or other sharp and hazardous objects inside stations or trains.
