ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³

The Maha Metro has ensured the provision of dedicated parking spaces for two-wheelers and four-wheelers at eight out of the 30 operational Metro stations. However, concerns have been expressed by regular commuters regarding the absence of parking facilities at crucial stations such as Vanaz, Garware College, Nal Stop, Deccan Gymkhana, and Ruby Hall, causing inconvenience. According to Saurav Patke, a frequent traveler from Vanaz Metro station, commuters find themselves compelled to park their two-wheelers along the roadside or on footpaths due to the absence of parking facilities at Vanaz, which serves as the originating station on the Vanaz-Ramwadi route. The eight Metro stations equipped with parking facilities include PCMC, Sant Tukaramnagar, Phugewadi, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, Civil Court, RTO, and Ideal Colony. Garware College and Ruby Hall Clinic Metro stations, witnessing significant student footfall, face a similar situation. Prasad Gopal, a regular Metro traveller, emphasized that commuters are not demanding extensive parking lots but urged authorities to allocate space for parking at least 50 two-wheelers at each Metro station. This, he believes, would not only address the parking issue but also contribute to an increase in Metro ridership. Gopal also suggested the need for a parking lot near Nal Stop station to assist commuters from Kothrud, Karvenagar, and surrounding areas. Maha Metro officials acknowledged the concerns and stated that they are actively working on proposals to develop parking lots at additional stations. However, acquiring land for parking is deemed challenging as the two Metro corridors traverse through already developed areas, leaving limited space for additional facilities like parking, explained a Maha Metro official. In addition to parking lots, Maha Metro is focusing on enhancing last-mile connectivity by introducing feeder services such as buses and autorickshaws. The aim is to reduce reliance on private vehicles, according to another official. As part of the plan, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is expected to allocate a plot in the Karve Road area for the development of a multi-story parking space. Furthermore, Maha Metro has outlined plans to establish a parking lot at the Vanaz depot.