Pune, September 26 (Udaipur Kiran) : Pune Metro experienced an unprecedented surge in ridership during the Ganesh Festival this year, with 48,32,915 passengers using the service from September 14 to 25. This remarkable figure reflects a significant increase in public transport preference among devotees and visitors, generating revenue of ₹7,49,28,377 from ticket sales.
Data reveals that the number of passengers has more than doubled over the past two years. In 2024, approximately 20,45,100 passengers traveled during the festival, and this number rose to 37,17,578 in 2025. The current year’s figures represent a 29.99% increase compared to 2025 and a staggering 136.32% rise from 2024.
On the final day of the festival, known as Anant Chaturdashi, Pune Metro witnessed heavy traffic, with 5,80,280 passengers traveling between September 25, 6 AM, and September 26, 6 AM. During this period, the metro earned ₹85,61,895.
The data indicates that 25,15,516 passengers utilized Line 1, connecting PCMC to Swargate, while Line 2, from Vanaz to Ramwadi, served 23,17,399 passengers. The revenue from these lines amounted to ₹4,17,46,626 and ₹3,31,81,751, respectively, highlighting a shift towards metro travel over private vehicles for accessing key areas during the festival.
Mahatma Phule Mandai station emerged as the busiest, accommodating 6,82,473 passengers and generating ₹1,01,85,255 in revenue. Other stations, including PCMC, Swargate, Ramwadi, and PMC, also reported significant passenger numbers.
The District Court Metro Station, which facilitates interchange between the two lines, recorded a high volume of traffic, with 10,39,452 passengers switching lines. Notably, during the immersion period, over 20,000 passengers were counted at each of the 11 stations, with Mahatma Phule Mandai station alone recording 70,375 passengers.
Digital ticketing saw a remarkable rise, with about 71% of passengers opting for digital tickets. In payment methods, 86% chose online options, including UPI or card payments, while only 14% paid in cash.
Maha Metro’s Managing Director, Shrawan Hardikar, expressed pride in the trust placed in Pune Metro by millions of devotees during the festival. He noted that to accommodate the increasing passenger flow, the frequency of trains was reduced to five minutes, and services were available round the clock.
In response to the heavy crowds, medical facilities were established at key stations like Swargate, Mahatma Phule Mandai, and Deccan Gymkhana to ensure passenger safety and convenience. Hardikar acknowledged the preference for public transport among both local residents and visitors, thanking passengers for their cooperation.
This year’s statistics illustrate a growing trend in public transport usage in Pune, with ridership soaring from around 20.45 lakh in 2024 to over 48.32 lakh in just two years.
Amid continuous service, five-minute frequency, and medical facilities at major stations, Pune Metro played a crucial role in managing the large crowds during the Ganesh Festival.
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.