Pune’s crying need for mass transport system

Efforts for the Pune metro project are being made since 2006, but the proposal is yet to be approved by the government. Pune had
taken the lead in launching the BRTS (bus rapid transit system) in December 2006, but today, it is the BRTS in Ahmedabad which is in the forefront. Speak Up finds out how lack of proper mode of transport is making the common man suffer

Metro rail project has got the approval of PMC general body, state govt too is on board
A mass transport system like the metro rail project for Pune is a massive infrastructure project that requires huge financial investment and proper planning. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has raised the issue with the state government. The project has got the approval of the PMC general body and there are still certain procedures, which needs to be followed. The state government too has given a principal approval. Once it is ratified by the state, it will go to the Central government.  

Srinivas Bonala, additional city engineer, Pune Municipal Corporation

We are opposing the route from Vanaz to Ramwadi as it is not practical
There is no doubt that Pune needs a proper mass transport system, but it must be built in consonance with the local conditions. The heart of our city is old, have congested roads and heritage structures.

We must have a holistic view when implementing any mass transport system. As far as the metro project is concerned, we have been opposing the route from Vanaz to Ramwadi, which is not feasible because the PMC has chosen a wrong corridor for the initial phase of the metro rail project.

The BRTS can be implemented on a number of city roads successfully, only if there is proper planning and correct road design. Only huge investment is not the only requirement to implement the mass transport project; it is also important for it to be functional in transporting people to their destination in the fastest way possible. We are comparing the metro rail issues with what happened to the BRTS project, which was not up to the mark and resulted in wastage of public funds.  

Prashant Inamdar, convenor, Pedestrians First

Functional mass transport system is a must in order to reduce traffic on roads
It is obvious that in the absence of a proper mass transport system in Pune, people prefer to travel by their own vehicles. This has resulted in huge increase of vehicles on city roads. But the reality is that a working person, whether he commutes by his own vehicle or public transport, nearly wastes an extra one hour everyday due to heavy traffic during the peak hours.

If we have the metro rail or BRTS mode of public transport in the city, then it is important to implement the project on the right routes. Take the example of the present operational BRTS routes; it is a failure due to inefficient planning. If you want to discourage people from buying vehicles then it is necessary to have a functional mass transport system.

Riyaaz Sheikh, citizen

Get rid of the present lethargic management ailing the PMPML service
Practically, the city needs a functional mass transport system like metro rail. The city is growing and the traffic from the outskirts to the heart of the city is increasing day by day. I live in Bhusari Colony and for me commuting towards Karvenagar is a nightmare.

The proposed first phase of Vanaz-Ramwadi metro rail will immensely help people commute from this area. The only doubt I have is whether the project will be completed on time and what hardships we will have to face till the project is not completed.

I think that BRTS is a better option for the city. If BEST (Bombay Electric Supply & Transport) buses in Mumbai can be successfully managed, why can’t the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) do the same? We just have to get rid of the present lethargic management and bureaucracy ailing the PMPML service.

What people want is a punctual, regular, comfortable and safe bus transport system.     

Archana Kanitkar, citizen

Commuters would prefer cheap and comfortable mass transport system
In Pune, people have to face a lot of problems while commuting because of a very poor mass transport system. The city is growing rapidly and in the next 10 years, it will become a bustling metro like Mumbai or Bangalore. Looking at the crowded buses and the growing traffic woes on the city roads, a metro rail system or BRTS is an immediate solution. I have a two-wheeler but I would prefer travelling by metro. As the petrol rate is growing steeply, using a two-wheeler has become costly for many.

The locals are opposing the metro project as they think that the city is not big enough to accommodate these projects, which is untrue.

Also, there is a politically generated hurdle as BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has been constantly opposing as the NCP run PMC has given the metro project a green signal. The city’s Autorickshaw Union too is opposing the metro project as they fear will lose their livelihood. However, commuters would prefer a cheap and comfortable mass transport system. I happened to travel in Delhi and Calcutta metros, which are very safe, comfortable and cheap means of transport.   

Pranay Ajmera, student