Unregulated movement and parking of autorickshaws near Ramwadi Metro station
Residents said reaching Ramwadi Metro station from nearby localities like Sakorenagar and Konark Campus could cost anywhere between Rs 40 and Rs 180 for a short 5-10-minute autorickshaw ride. A Sakorenagar resident, who lives barely a kilometre from Ramwadi station, said, “There is no direct bus service and autorickshaw drivers routinely demand Rs 60-70 for the short trip. An NIBM resident said a recent journey involving an autorickshaw ride to Swargate and a Metro trip to Kothrud ended with a Rs 125 auto fare and a Rs 22 Metro ticket. “We spend nearly Rs 150 one way on a route where the Metro fare is just Rs 22. Sahil Raj, a resident of Dhole Patil Road who works in Shivajinagar, said travelling 800 metres to Ruby Hall Metro station was not always feasible on foot. App-based fares often show Rs 70-100, and some drivers demand even more,” he said. PMPML officials said a Metro feeder network of 75 buses was currently operating on 20 routes.
Because the route was easier and less congested than via Ramwadi, williams said some seniors preferred getting off at Kalyaninagar station and taking an autorickshaw home. Because they assume air travellers can afford it,” he said, autorickshaw drivers often charge Rs 200-250. Kiosks have recently been launched at two stations,” Chandrashekhar Tambhavekar, head of PR at Maha Metro, said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Pune | Silver Rate in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Petrol Price in Pune | Diesel Price in Pune | CNG Price in Pune | LPG Price in Pune Stay updated with the latest Pune news.
“A Metro ride from Ramwadi to Deccan Gymkhana costs only Rs 22, but getting to the station is often far more expensive,” resident Ashwini Desai said, alleging that many autorickshaw drivers ignored meters and quoted arbitrary fares. Vehicles struggle to stop long enough for passengers to get down,” resident Himanshi Patel said. Mira Williams, who regularly uses Metro, said the lack of a dedicated feeder service between Vimannagar and Ramwadi had made public transport less accessible. Autorickshaw drivers are taking advantage of the lack of connectivity,” she said. “Feeder buses every 30 minutes could significantly improve Metro access,” she said. “The fare from Konark Campus to Ramwadi can be Rs 40, Rs 50 or Rs 60 depending on the driver,” Rupa Kapadia said, adding that reduced frequency on PMPML route 166 had limited its usefulness. There is no proper feeder connectivity,” the resident said. Kalyaninagar resident Prashant Joge said the discontinuation of a feeder bus service between Pune airport and Ramwadi Metro station had left passengers dependent on costly autorickshaw rides. Company sources, however, said the system did not automatically reduce fares for short trips. When demand is high, dynamic fares rise and fall when it’s low,” a source said. Maha Metro said it was working with PMPML to expand feeder routes and is conducting surveys for additional services.
The problem is compounded by a lack of reliable last-mile connectivity. A proposed e-rickshaw service has yet to materialise. Commuters complained that poor access infrastructure around Ramwadi station had worsened the situation. Traffic congestion, roadside parking, vendor encroachments and inadequate drop-off space often made it difficult for passengers to enter or exit the station. “The stretch outside the station is often clogged. Senior citizens are particularly affected. “Wherever there is a Metro, there should be feeder buses connecting nearby areas. The residents also pointed to inconsistent autorickshaw fares. The issue is not confined to Vimannagar. Even commuters living within walking distance of stations face challenges. “Many autorickshaw drivers refuse the trip. Airport travellers have similar concerns. “Now we don’t know when a bus will come. Authorities, however, insisted efforts were under way to bridge the last-mile gap. Commuters, however, argued that citywide numbers meant little if neighbourhood-specific services remained infrequent and unreliable. Messages sent via WhatsApp to Rapido and Uber went unanswered till going to press. “Fares vary with demand and, at times, traffic and timing. “More routes are being added, and surveys of additional routes are on. We have partnered with autorickshaw unions to run share-a-rickshaw services on select routes from Metro stations. Download the TOI App.
Pune: For many Vimannagar residents, Metro’s promise of affordable travel fades before the journey even begins, with autorickshaw rides to the nearby station often costing more than the Metro ticket.