Additional stations proposed on Swargate-Katraj metro route in Pune: Urban Affairs Minister Madhuri Misal

The urban affairs minister also informed that the 1km-long Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and 7km-long Ramwadi to Vithalwadi metro route extensions were in their last stage of approval, while the SNDT to Manikbaug and Khadakwasla to Kharadi routes were in the initial stage of scrutiny with the Union Government.

Asked about the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), the minister said it was successful in other cities but failed in Pune due to the insufficient bus fleet of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).

“BRTS is a concept of fast commuting by bus and not a road-based concept. The more strength of buses, the better will be BRTS. The shortage of buses is the main reason and lack of space for sufficient dedicated BRTS routes also hampered it and instead of good public transport it turned into a cause of road congestion,” she said, adding that 1,000 new buses will be added to the PMPML bus fleet soon.

Misal further said, “The administration has been directed to map all the bus stops, railway stations, metro stations, and autorickshaw stands. This map will be displayed in various places across the city to create awareness among citizens for easy access to public transport systems.”