Pune Metro has been facing challenges with low ridership numbers, raising concerns about the accuracy of initial projections and planning strategies. Despite the recent opening of the Swargate station, the daily ridership of the metro falls significantly short of the anticipated 6 lakh daily rides, with only 1.55 lakh passengers currently using the system.
Experts point out that overestimating ridership numbers is a common trend in Indian Metro systems, with Pune Metro following suit. The decision to proceed with the Metro project over more cost-effective alternatives like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has been attributed to political motivations rather than practical considerations.
Urban transport planners emphasize the need to address the existing ridership issues before expanding the Metro further. They stress the importance of conducting a thorough review of the initial projections and understanding the reasons behind the low adoption rates.
The discrepancy between projected and actual ridership figures has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the planning process. Critics call for a closer examination of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which prepared Pune Metro’s Detailed Project Report, to ensure the accuracy of future projections.
As Pune Metro continues its expansion plans, there is a growing need for more grounded and data-driven urban transport policies. Planners and policymakers must reevaluate the existing ridership data, identify the underlying causes of low adoption, and make adjustments to ensure sustainable and effective public transportation solutions in the future.
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