By Shreyanka Nandan
Pune: Anticipating heavy passenger turnout during Ganeshotsav, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has announced additional crowd-control and security measures at Mandai and Kasba metro stations. The 10-day festival begins on August 27 and is expected to draw lakhs of devotees to Pune’s most popular Ganpati mandals.
Mandai and Kasba areas are home to iconic Ganpati mandals that attract visitors from across the state. The narrow roads and persistent vehicular congestion in these localities often pose challenges during the festive season. Officials said the metro service will ease access to these areas this year, reducing pressure on road traffic.
“This will be the first Ganesh festival when citizens will use the Pune District Court-Swargate metro stretch, and we expect a huge rush. Additional police personnel and Maha-Metro staff will be deployed at the stations to manage crowds and streamline traffic movement,” said Hemant Sonawane, executive director, Maha-Metro. He added that station managers have been instructed to take all necessary measures to handle the surge.
Before the metro facility was available, devotees largely depended on public buses operated by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), getting down at the Pune Municipal Corporation building and walking nearly two kilometres to reach the mandal areas. With the metro now extending directly to Mandai and Kasba, officials expect smoother access and reduced walking distance for visitors.
The District Court-Swargate metro line began operations only in late September last year, as the project was delayed due to the assembly election model code of conduct. This year, Maha-Metro has increased train frequency and extended operating hours to meet the anticipated demand during Ganeshotsav.
On Sunday, Maha-Metro managing director Shravan Hardikar, along with deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Krishikesh Rawale and senior officials, inspected the Mandai and Kasba stations to review preparedness.
Officials assured that measures are in place to ensure safe, convenient, and congestion-free travel for citizens during the city’s biggest cultural celebration.