The Pune Metro, known for its efficient transport services, is currently facing criticism over its elevated parking fees. Commuters are demanding a revision of these charges, arguing that they are significantly higher than the rates set by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Cantonment.
The current parking rates at Pune Metro are ₹8 for the first hour and ₹12 for two hours for two-wheelers. In comparison, the PMC’s parking policy from 2018 ranges from ₹1 to ₹3 per hour depending on the zone, with Zone A (busy areas) charging ₹3 per hour for two-wheelers.
This stark difference in parking rates has sparked outrage among students, working professionals, and low-income citizens who rely on the metro as an affordable mode of transportation. Many commuters have expressed frustration over the high costs, with some stating that they end up spending more on parking than on their metro fare.
In response to the backlash, the Pune Metro has taken action against the contractor responsible for managing the pay-and-park facilities at two stations—Shivajinagar and District Court. These facilities have been temporarily closed due to complaints about the exorbitant parking fees.
Commuters have been vocal about their concerns, with one user, Rajesh Sharma, highlighting the financial burden of the current parking rates. Another commuter, Rohit, pointed out that the high charges could deter people from using the metro system altogether.
In an official statement, Shravan Hardikar, managing director of the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), announced that the contractor has been suspended for overcharging. He also mentioned that the metro will review its parking fees in the future to address the ongoing issue.
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