Kalyani Nagar Residents Demand Action on Pune Metro Noise, Cite Year-Long Inaction

Kalyani Nagar, 30th April 2025: Residents of Pune’s Kalyani Nagar have raised fresh concerns over persistent noise disturbances caused by the Pune Metro, alleging that despite repeated complaints and meetings, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has failed to take effective action for over a year.

In a strongly worded follow-up letter addressed to Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of MahaMetro, and senior official Hemant Sonawane, citizens have expressed frustration over what they describe as “serious mental and health issues” triggered by the high-pitched squealing and loud announcements from passing Metro trains.

“We have patiently waited for meaningful action, but the noise has not reduced. It is affecting our day and night, and unfortunately, we’ve received no updates or resolutions from the Metro authorities,” reads the letter, endorsed by representatives of several housing societies in Kalyani Nagar.

The issue first surfaced in early 2024 when residents began reporting shrill squeaking and squealing sounds as trains passed through the area. MahaMetro reportedly took corrective measures by mid-2024, and the problem was temporarily resolved. However, the disturbances resurfaced in October 2024, prompting residents to escalate their complaints once again.

According to the letter, Metro officials had promised both short-term and long-term interventions. “Two teams were reportedly appointed in November 2024—one to provide immediate relief within two months and another to develop a permanent solution within six months. But to date, we have received no updates on their findings, scope, or actions,” said a representative of the residents’ committee.

In a March 7, 2025, meeting between society members and Sonawane, residents claim that no clear answers were provided. “Sonawane was unwilling to share details about the agencies or their work. He assured us that a noise level assessment would be conducted after Holi, but that is still pending,” the letter noted.

Residents now question why measures that were successful in June 2024 haven’t been replicated. “If the issue was resolved once, why not follow the same steps again? It’s been nearly a year. How much longer must we suffer in silence?” they asked.

Despite the long wait, the tone of the letter remains civil, with residents urging MahaMetro to act with urgency. “We continue to trust in the authorities’ ability to resolve the issue, but further delays are unacceptable,” the letter concludes.

Copies of the letter have also been marked to senior officials, including Srinivas Katikithala, Chairman of MahaMetro and Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

When contacted, MahaMetro officials were not immediately available for comment.