The extension of service from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi will enable metro operations on the entire 16-km route from Vanaz to Ramwadi. (File/ Express Photo)
As there is speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the city in February, Pune Metro is ready to start its service from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi, completing the 16-km stretch starting from Vanaz, officials said on Wednesday.
“Work is completed and it can be inaugurated. We have done all the required compliance recommended by the Railway Safety Board and are expecting the nod to start service from Ruby Hall to Ramwadi soon,” said Hemant Sonawane, executive director of Pune Metro.
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The metro has also decided to encourage e-ticketing by providing discounts to commuters who buy tickets through its mobile app or WhatsApp.
“Pune Metro will give a 10 per cent discount on weekdays and a 30 per cent discount on weekends for every digital ticket from Thursday,” said Sonawane, adding that the paperless tickets would also help in environment conservation besides giving a hassle-free travel experience.
Commuters can either send ‘Hi’ to 9420101990 on WhatsApp or use the official Pune Metro app to avail of the discounts.
E-ticketing currently accounts for 30 per cent of total tickets purchased, Sonawane said, adding that the discounts could drive up the paperless ticket usage.
The first trial of the metro rail route from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi was successfully carried out in October last year and the service was expected to start by January-end.
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Executed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, the metro rail was launched in March 2022 and extended last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Phase one, the metro runs from Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate and Vanaz to Ramwadi. At present, services run from Pimpri Chinchwad to the Shivajinagar Interchange station and from Vanaz to Ruby Hall Clinic.
The extension of service from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi will enable metro operations on the entire 16-km route from Vanaz to Ramwadi.
The 17-km route from Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate is likely to be fully operational by March-end as work on Shivajinagar-Swargate stretch is going on in full swing, according to officials.
Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra.
Expertise
Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting.
Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in:
Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps.
Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra.
Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development.
Investigative and Policy Impact:
National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism.
Additional Interests
Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues.
Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More
