A PMPML e-bus on way with passengers in Pune
The feeder service was originally planned at a frequency of one bus every 20 minutes. PMPML chief traffic manager (operations) Yashwant Hinge said the direct service was discontinued mainly due to low passenger demand. 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.
PMPML officials said one of the biggest hurdles was the lack of a designated parking space at the airport, making the feeder bus difficult for passengers to locate and access. With cabbies frequently asking for additional money under different pretexts, things are far from normal,” Hinjewadi-based businessman Sangyan Parikh said. Airport-Ramwadi Metro He said for flyers like him who travelled light, Metro was the best option. It should never have been modified in the first place,” Parikh said. The bus had to halt near AeroMall on New Airport Road, and many passengers either could not spot it or found it difficult to cross the busy road with luggage,” Hinge said. Kalyaninagar resident Prashant Kakde said costly airport transfers continued to inconvenience passengers. The airport bus service still exists, but frequencies are poor because buses originate from Pune railway station,” he said, adding, “Just as AeroMall runs shuttle buses for passengers, a similar service can operate between Ramwadi Metro station and the airport. ” Another PMPML official said reviving the direct feeder route remained a possibility if operational and financial viability could be worked out. Given the size of the airport circulation area, providing some space for the bus should not be a major challenge,” the official said. A direct feeder service would help passengers connect seamlessly to the Metro and reach their destinations faster,” he said.
Pune: Frequent complaints of cab and autorickshaw drivers allegedly fleecing Pune airport passengers have renewed calls to restore PMPML’s direct feeder bus service linking the airport with Ramwadi Metro station. The route was later modified, with buses now operating between Pune railway station and the airport via Ramwadi. “Getting a cab from the airport is still not easy. “On three recent occasions, cab drivers called after accepting bookings and asked for extra money, claiming they had to pay entry-exit charges at AeroMall. The PMPML feeder service should start immediately. “The absence of parking space inside the airport terminal significantly affected visibility and accessibility. We requested space within the terminal premises, but airport authorities cited security concerns. “Prepaid autorickshaws and cabs are expensive, and many app-based cab drivers openly ask for extra money. “The service can certainly be restarted, but earnings and route viability have to be assessed. Frequent flyer Prahlad Kher from Koregaon Park, however, argued that passenger convenience should also be prioritised. “If security rules must be followed, they should apply uniformly. Download the TOI App.
The feeder service, which ran till early last year, was withdrawn after poor ridership. Airport director Santosh Dhoke has previously maintained that Pune airport, being a defence airport, must adhere to stringent security protocols.
