Metro Makes Ganeshotsav Travel Easier as Passenger Numbers Surge in Pune
Pune, 1st September 2025: The Pune Metro has eased the travel of devotees heading to the city’s central areas during Ganeshotsav, significantly reducing the usual traffic hassles. Thousands of residents thronged metro stations since Sunday morning, with the number of passengers peaking after 6 pm.
According to Pune Metro authorities, a total of 2,84,284 passengers traveled across both metro lines by 10 pm on Sunday. Mandai station recorded the highest footfall with 44,791 passengers, followed by Pimpri station with 33,768 passengers, and Swargate station with 24,841 passengers.
The Ganeshotsav period sees a surge in visitors to Pune’s central areas, and this year the opening of Kasba Peth and Mandai stations for passenger service has made access easier. “The opening of these stations has made it convenient for devotees to reach the heart of Pune. As a result, passenger numbers have increased significantly,” said a metro official.
On Saturday, August 30, a total of 3,48,000 passengers traveled on the metro lines, generating ₹46.83 lakh in revenue. Normally, the metro accommodates over 2 lakh passengers daily. However, the festive weekend saw a sharp rise in demand.
To manage the rush, the metro administration has increased the frequency of trains. “On regular days, trains run every six minutes. Considering the surge during Ganeshotsav, the frequency has been increased to every three minutes. On Sunday, 554 runs were planned, but additional trips were made to accommodate the crowd,” said Chandrashekhar Tambavekar, Additional Director General, Public Relations and Administration, Metro Pune.
Tambavekar also advised passengers to avoid crowding at a single station. “While arriving, passengers are encouraged to disembark at Kasba Peth and Pune Municipal Corporation stations. For return journeys, they should use Mandai station. This ensures smooth movement and avoids congestion at one station,” he added.
The Pune Metro continues to play a crucial role in facilitating safe and convenient travel for devotees, helping them enjoy the festive season without the stress of city traffic.
