Pune: Pune Metro is set to extend its operational hours until 11 pm by the end of January 2025 to cater to growing commuter demand. Currently, the last trains on both routes—the Vanaz-Ramwadi and Pimpri-Swargate corridors—depart at 10 PM. The one-hour extension aims to serve late-night travelers, including those coming from the railway station and airport and those finishing work after dark.
The extended hours will introduce six extra trips per route, running every 10 minutes, improving convenience for late-night commuters. With daily ridership surpassing two lakh as of January 1, 2025, the Metro is becoming increasingly popular. This extension is a direct response to feedback from passengers seeking more flexible travel options after the Metro became fully operational in October 2024.
Extended metro timings
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha Metro) is working on technical preparations to ensure smooth operations. The extension of hours follows requests from commuters who have long suggested that the Metro should operate until midnight like PMPML buses, which run late into the night.
Commuters have also pointed out that stations lack essential amenities, such as parking and autorickshaw stands. Regular user Preetam Pol mentioned the need to reduce chaos during peak hours. To address this, Maha Metro has launched an online portal for suggestions, complaints, and feedback, which replaces the earlier paper form system. Most suggestions so far have focused on extending operational hours, improving feeder services, and adding more coaches.
Challenges ahead remain
Improvements to feeder bus services are also underway. PMPML is restructuring bus routes to better connect Metro stations to commercial areas. However, the extension of hours brings challenges, including ensuring adequate maintenance, staffing, infrastructure readiness, and security. Ensuring commuter safety during late hours will be a key priority for Maha Metro.
The planned extension to 11 pm reflects Pune Metro’s commitment to improving the public transport system and meeting the growing needs of commuters. Further infrastructure investments will be necessary to keep pace with the increasing demand.
