Pune: MahaMetro has been witnessing an encouraging response from the public, with current daily ridership standing at approximately 1.75 lakh passengers. According to Chandrakant Patil, the Higher and Technical Education Minister, metro services will extend to all four directions of Pune by 2030, with a projected daily ridership reaching 8 lakh.
The announcement was made on the occasion of 'Good Governance Day,' celebrated on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Minister Patil traveled from Shivajinagar District Court Metro Station to Mahatma Phule Mandai Metro Station and lauded the efforts of the MahaMetro team, felicitating CEO Shravan Hardikar during the event.
In his address, Patil highlighted the progress of the Hinjewadi metro route, which is slated to become operational by March 2025. He also shed light on the challenges related to connecting the metro network to Lohegaon Airport.
Initially, the metro plan excluded an airport link due to ongoing discussions about the Purandar Airport project. However, with land acquisition for Purandar Airport still pending, efforts are being made to connect Lohegaon Airport with bus services from the nearest metro station.
Patil stated that approximately 1,000 buses would be required for efficient feeder services, and discussions with PMPML are already underway. The metro's expansion aims to provide comprehensive connectivity to all parts of Pune while accommodating the city's growing population and transportation needs.
Commenting on the inclusion of Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Ashish Shelar in the BJP cabinet, Patil clarified that the process for selecting new office-bearers will adhere to the party's democratic framework.
He elaborated on the systematic approach involving member registration, active member identification, and stepwise elections from booth presidents to the state president. This process, conducted every three years, is currently in progress in Maharashtra.
Patil emphasized the BJP's commitment to a transparent and democratic selection process, which ensures organizational effectiveness and representation at all levels.