Pune Metro to Keep AFC Gates Closed by Default; Entry Only After Ticket Scan from March 3
Pune, 2nd March 2026: In a key operational change aimed at improving passenger management and preventing ticketless travel, Pune Metro has decided that Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates at all metro stations will now remain closed by default and will open only after a valid ticket or card is scanned.
The new system will come into effect from Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Under the revised mechanism, passengers entering or exiting metro stations will be required to scan their QR-code ticket, metro card, or WhatsApp ticket for the AFC gates to open.
Until now, Pune Metro’s AFC gates typically remained open, with a green signal allowing entry after ticket scanning. The gates would close only if a passenger attempted to enter without a ticket or used an invalid ticket. With the latest change, the gates will stay shut at all times and will open only upon successful verification of a valid ticket.
According to Pune Metro officials, the updated AFC system will function as follows: the gate flaps will remain closed before entry; once a passenger scans a QR ticket, metro card, or WhatsApp ticket, the gates will open; after the passenger passes through, the gates will automatically close again. Any attempt to enter without a valid ticket will not trigger the gate to open.
The decision is expected to strengthen access control, reduce fare evasion, and bring Pune Metro’s operations in line with standard practices followed in other major metro networks across India. Commuters have been advised to keep their tickets ready while approaching the AFC gates to avoid congestion during peak hours.
