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Pune Metro Hits Record High With Over 5.45 Lakh Riders Amid Wari Processions

Pune Metro Hits Record High With Over 5.45 Lakh Riders Amid Wari Processions

News187 hours ago

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The spike came as traffic restrictions were placed in central Pune and roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Pune Metro recorded its highest-ever ridership over two consecutive days as road closures due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions forced thousands to ditch their vehicles and opt for public transport.
On Friday, 21 June, the metro welcomed an all-time high of 3.19 lakh passengers in a single day.
Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) carried 1,50,385 commuters, while Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) saw 1,68,681 passengers, as per Hindustan Times.
This was followed by another strong turnout on Saturday with 2.26 lakh people using the metro—almost double the daily average.
With traffic restrictions imposed in central Pune and key routes to Pimpri-Chinchwad, especially around the Peth areas, most private vehicles were off the road. As a result, the metro emerged as the most convenient mode of transport, with even Warkaris hopping on board to visit family or reach central locations.
Warkaris Embrace the Metro Experience
Many Warkaris were spotted purchasing metro tickets and exploring stations near popular city landmarks. The metro's clean, fast, and air-conditioned coaches were a welcome change for many.
Hemant Sonawane, Director (PR and Admin), Pune Metro, noted, 'Ridership this year is significantly higher compared to the same time during last year's Wari. The newly launched Civil Court to Swargate stretch played a big role, as many Warkaris were staying nearby."
Pune Metro's previous highest single-day ridership was 1.99 lakh on 30 June 2023, also during the Wari. Before that, the record stood at 1.68 lakh on 15 August 2023.
Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud, said, 'Due to roadblocks, I took the metro to Kalyani Nagar. It was fast, comfortable, and completely stress-free."
With such strong numbers, Pune Metro has proven its value not just as a mode of transport, but as a true city saviour during festivals and disruptions.
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Pune Metro Hits Record High With Over 5.45 Lakh Riders Amid Wari Processions
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Last Updated: The spike came as traffic restrictions were placed in central Pune and roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad. Pune Metro recorded its highest-ever ridership over two consecutive days as road closures due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions forced thousands to ditch their vehicles and opt for public transport. On Friday, 21 June, the metro welcomed an all-time high of 3.19 lakh passengers in a single day. Line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) carried 1,50,385 commuters, while Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) saw 1,68,681 passengers, as per Hindustan Times. This was followed by another strong turnout on Saturday with 2.26 lakh people using the metro—almost double the daily average. With traffic restrictions imposed in central Pune and key routes to Pimpri-Chinchwad, especially around the Peth areas, most private vehicles were off the road. As a result, the metro emerged as the most convenient mode of transport, with even Warkaris hopping on board to visit family or reach central locations. Warkaris Embrace the Metro Experience Many Warkaris were spotted purchasing metro tickets and exploring stations near popular city landmarks. The metro's clean, fast, and air-conditioned coaches were a welcome change for many. Hemant Sonawane, Director (PR and Admin), Pune Metro, noted, 'Ridership this year is significantly higher compared to the same time during last year's Wari. The newly launched Civil Court to Swargate stretch played a big role, as many Warkaris were staying nearby." Pune Metro's previous highest single-day ridership was 1.99 lakh on 30 June 2023, also during the Wari. Before that, the record stood at 1.68 lakh on 15 August 2023. Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud, said, 'Due to roadblocks, I took the metro to Kalyani Nagar. It was fast, comfortable, and completely stress-free." With such strong numbers, Pune Metro has proven its value not just as a mode of transport, but as a true city saviour during festivals and disruptions. First Published:

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