PUNE:  After a successful run of the air-conditioned (AC) Shivneri bus service from Swargate to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Domestic), Mumbai, the MSRTC is planning to start AC Shivneri bus service from Pune station to Mumbai airport.

“There is no direct bus service from Pune station and there has been a longstanding demand by the passengers to start such a service. Interestingly, the Mumbai airport administration has also agreed to start the service. The date will be announced soon,” said Pune Divisional Controller Yamini Joshi.

“Once the service begins, the passengers going abroad from Pune will not have to wait for private cabs or luxury buses,” said an MSRTC official of Pune Division

From December 16, 2018, MSRTC had begun Shivneri bus service from Swargate to Mumbai airport. The service is available per hour. Due to this service, hundreds of passengers, travelling directly to the airport from Pune, will be able to save thousands of rupees. The first bus departs from Swargate to Mumbai airport at 5 am and the last departs at 11 pm. Similarly, bus departs from Mumbai airport to Pune at 5 am and the last bus departs at 9.45 pm. The journey takes three to three and a half hours. 

“The service from Pune station stand to Mumbai airport will depart at the same time. This will reach at Mumbai airport inside the premises,” said a senior officer. 

“The fare will be the same as current fare between Pune and Mumbai. There will space for luggage too,” said the officer.