PMPML Wants Metro Feeder Buses Allowed Inside the Airport for Passenger Convenience
Pune: A simple change could make a big difference for passengers flying in and out of Pune airport. That’s the message from Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), which has urged airport authorities to allow their Metro feeder buses to enter the airport premises and pick up passengers.
The issue came into focus when a flyer shared his frustrating experience. After landing from Delhi, he waited nearly an hour outside the airport trying to catch the feeder bus to Ramwadi Metro station. Unable to find the bus, he ended up taking a cab and paid ₹570 to get home.
“If the bus was allowed inside the airport like earlier, I wouldn’t have had to spend so much on a cab,” the passenger said. “I could have easily reached Khadki using the feeder bus and Metro.”
PMPML’s chairman and managing director, Pankaj Deore, said the agency plans to write to airport authorities and discuss the issue with senior officials. “Passengers will use feeder buses only if they are visible,” he said, adding that the current route change, which took effect on July 26, was made because of low ridership and revenue.
Now, buses run between Pune railway station and the airport, covering Ramwadi Metro station on the way. A total of seven buses make 108 trips daily, and 53,783 passengers used the service in August. However, regular flyers say this isn’t enough. “After the route was changed, it’s hard to spot the buses. Metro extensions to Pimpri Chinchwad will benefit flyers, but only if feeder buses are easily accessible and allowed inside the airport.”
In another update, PMPML also reported a dip in passenger numbers during this year’s Ganeshotsav festival. Around 97.53 lakh commuters used its services, down from 1.23 crore last year. The decline is attributed to increased use of private vehicles and Metro services. PMPML is exploring ways to boost ridership.
Meanwhile, PMPML has announced strict action against drivers found using mobile phones or headphones while driving, with suspensions being planned to ensure safety.
