41-Hour Nonstop Metro on Anant Chaturdashi
On Anant Chaturdashi, the concluding day of the festival when idols are immersed in rivers and lakes, Pune Metro will operate continuously for 41 hours. Services will begin at 6 am on September 6 and continue without a break until 11 pm on September 7. Officials said this step is aimed at helping devotees avoid traffic congestion during the immersion processions.
Between August 27 and 29, trains will run from 6 am to 11 pm. From August 30 to September 5, operations will be extended till 2 am daily. Regular schedules will resume from September 8. The extended hours are expected to significantly reduce dependence on road transport during the peak festival days.
First Underground Route Operational
This year marks the debut of Pune Metro’s much-awaited underground corridor from District Court to Swargate. Stations at District Court, Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate are located close to major Ganesh Mandals in the old city. The new connection will allow devotees to bypass gridlocked roads and reach mandals more comfortably.
Metro spokesperson Hemant Sonawane said the festival arrangements are designed to ensure a safe and convenient journey for all. “On Anant Chaturdashi, Pune Metro will run continuously for 41 hours. We have also extended timings on other days to handle the festive rush,” he noted.
Pune’s Ganeshotsav and Public Transport
Ganeshotsav has been officially declared a state festival by the Maharashtra government. In Pune, the celebrations attract lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, with processions, decorations, and cultural programs. Traffic congestion is a common challenge during the festival, making efficient public transport crucial.
The Pune Metro’s extended services are expected to provide significant relief to citizens and visitors alike.