More than a year after a joint survey conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Maha Metro to identify locations for public parking near metro stations, the development of these facilities has made little progress. Civic officials have stated that issues related to land acquisition and the availability of suitable spaces have delayed the project.
Current Status of Parking Facilities
The lack of adequate parking facilities has once again come into focus after PMC proposed demolishing the mechanised parking facility on JM Road, which was intended to serve Metro commuters. A proposal to construct a new mechanised parking facility at the same location has been placed before the standing committee and is expected to be discussed on Thursday.
Commuters have expressed frustration, noting that the civic administration had promised seamless last-mile connectivity to Metro stations, but the initiative has largely remained on paper. Many areas still lack reliable feeder services, and commuters have stressed the need for dedicated parking facilities that would allow them to reach Metro stations on two-wheelers.
Commuters' Concerns
“We have been left with no option but to depend on a family member to drop us off and pick us up from the Metro station. Many people who would otherwise use the Metro avoid it because of this inconvenience,” said Mitali Mahajan, a regular Metro commuter from Sinhagad Road.
Shopkeepers near Metro stations have also raised concerns. “Many Metro users park their two-wheelers on roads and in bylanes, causing traffic congestion and affecting business. Some even park in front of shops, making it difficult for customers to access them,” said a shopkeeper near the Vanaz Metro station.
Efforts by Civic Body
The civic body has identified 20 locations near various Metro stations to develop parking facilities. “We are in discussions with private landowners. Land owned by the PMC and other government agencies will be prioritised for the project,” a senior civic official said.
Commuters have urged authorities to expedite the work. “Metro ridership will increase significantly if adequate parking facilities are made available near stations,” a regular Metro commuter said.
“The administration has already developed parking facilities at five locations, while the remaining sites are being finalised. Awareness about these facilities will be created once they become operational,” said Mukund Barve, executive engineer in the building permissions department.
About Pune Metro Network
Pune Metro currently operates two corridors — the North-South Corridor (Purple Line) and the East-West Corridor (Aqua Line) — covering a total length of 33.2 km with 30 stations. However, a majority of these stations still lack dedicated parking facilities. Of the total network, 27.2 km is elevated and 6 km is underground. The system also has two maintenance depots, located in Range Hills and Vanaz.
