Citizens' groups hope CMP will bridge last-mile connectivity from Metro stations

Time of India

2 days ago

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Pune: Citizens' groups have expressed hope that the draft Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) tabled on Friday would address gaps in last-mile connectivity from Metro stations in the city.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said during the presentation of CMP that the 30-year plan was aimed at resolving the city's traffic congestion. A 300km Metro line network was also announced for Pune region.
Activist Vivek Velankar said efficient, affordable, and reliable public transport was the key to solving Pune's traffic problem. "There is a growing need for micro-level integration between local trains, Metro, PMPML buses, and rickshaw services to ensure last-mile connectivity.
Only then will commuters shift to public transport," he said.
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Metro regulars have echoed the view, pointing out that with network expansion on cards, seamless connectivity with stations is essential.
Activist Prashant Raul said CMP was "very much needed" for a growing city like Pune. "If implemented well, it will mean no traffic congestion, no wastage of time, and reduced air and noise pollution. It will also ease the mental fatigue of battling traffic daily," he said.
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However, Raul warned of persistent challenges. "We have reserved BRT lanes but there are too few buses, no feeder lines to BRT or Metro stations, and no parking for two-or four-wheelers at these points. Public transport fares went up by 60% in recent months," he said. He also flagged poor route planning, citing the overlapping of PCMC–Pune Metro corridor with an existing BRT route.
Other concerns include uncomfortable and poorly maintained PMPML buses, lack of peak-hour services for women and students, and slow BRT speeds of under 20 km/hr due to faulty design.
Encroached footpaths, broken cycle tracks, and the absence of awareness campaigns worsen the situation, he added.
Raul suggested increasing the bus fleet, introducing double-decker and subscription-based executive coaches, and offering special services for women and students.
Another citizen activist called for priority bus lanes instead of restricted BRT routes, flexible lane concepts in congested areas, and private participation in feeder services.
The activists have also proposed a monthly "public transport day" with free rides, car- and bike-pooling platforms, corporate incentives for employees, cycle-adaptive buses, and continuous green-covered footpaths and cycle tracks.
The CMP proposes PMPML feeder buses and improved pedestrian walkways to strengthen Metro connectivity.
Maha Metro MD Shravan Hardikar said the goal was to raise public transport's share to 30% in the first phase and 50% eventually. Plans include expanding PMPML's fleet to 4,000 buses, adding 80.5 km of new BRTS and high-frequency bus corridors, and ensuring public transport access within 500 metres for all residents.
The project would be rolled out in three phases over 30 years at a total cost of ₹1.3 lakh crore, with ₹62,000 crore earmarked for the first phase.
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