Ganeshotsav 2026: Pune Metro Records 2.62 Lakh Passengers on First Day
Pune, 15th September 2026: Pune Metro witnessed a significant surge in ridership on the first day of Ganeshotsav, with 2,62,671 passengers travelling on the network on September 14 as devotees and citizens opted for public transport amid festive crowds across the city.
The ridership was 46,297 higher than the 2,16,374 passengers recorded on the first day of Ganeshotsav last year, marking a 21.40% increase year-on-year.
The increase comes as Pune Metro has stepped up its services during the 10-day festival to manage the expected rush and provide a convenient travel option for devotees visiting Ganesh mandals and pandals across the city.
Mahatma Phule Mandai records highest footfall
Among the major Metro stations, Mahatma Phule Mandai recorded the highest passenger movement, with 51,533 passengers using the station until 11 pm.
The station’s ridership increased by 21.73% compared with 42,334 passengers recorded on the corresponding day last year.
The District Court Metro station, a key interchange point, recorded 58,948 passengers, an increase of 21.89% from 48,359 passengers last year.
Other major stations recorded the following passenger numbers:
PCMC: 25,429 passengers
Ramwadi: 23,644
Swargate: 21,099
PMC: 19,267
Metro services increased to every five minutes
To accommodate the increased passenger demand during Ganeshotsav, Pune Metro is operating trains at five-minute intervals.
The Metro administration has also planned extended services during the festival, allowing devotees to travel late at night while visiting Ganesh decorations and mandals across the city.
The enhanced services are aimed at reducing pressure on roads and providing a safer and faster alternative to private vehicles during the festival.
Metro issues advisory for Ganeshotsav travel
Pune Metro has advised devotees visiting the central areas of the city to use stations including Kasba Peth, Swargate, PMC, Deccan Gymkhana and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan, depending on their destination.
For the return journey, passengers have been advised to primarily use Mahatma Phule Mandai Metro station to help manage crowds and passenger movement.
The Metro administration has also urged commuters to make greater use of digital ticketing options, including QR-based tickets, the Metro app and WhatsApp ticketing, in addition to ticket counters.
With large crowds expected throughout Ganeshotsav, the Metro administration has appealed to citizens to use the Metro to help reduce traffic congestion and ensure a safe, faster and more convenient journey during the festival.
