Pune: Commuters Bear The Brunt: Khadki, Range Hills Metro Stations Remain Non-Operational
The Pune Metro’s Line 1, which connects Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate, has been a game-changer for commuters. However, two crucial stations on this line, Khadki and Range Hills, remain non-operational, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters.
The closure of these stations has forced commuters to take alternative routes, leading to increased travel time and frustration. “I travel from Khadki to Shivajinagar every day for work. With the Khadki station non-operational, I have to take a bus or auto-rickshaw to the nearest metro station, which adds an extra 30 minutes to my journey,” said a frustrated commuter.
The Khadki station is expected to be operational in December, but the Range Hills station’s fate remains uncertain. “We have been waiting for months for the Range Hills station to open. The lack of communication from the authorities is disappointing,” said a resident of Range Hills.
The non-operational stations have also affected the local businesses. “Many of our customers rely on the metro to reach our shop. With the Khadki station closed, our footfall has decreased significantly,” said owner of a local convenience store.
The Pune Metro authorities have attributed the delay to various reasons, including pending work and safety clearances. However, commuters are running out of patience. “We understand that there may be technical issues, but the authorities should provide a clear timeline for the opening of these stations,” said a resident.
As the commuters continue to bear the brunt of the non-operational stations, the Pune Metro authorities must prioritize the completion of these stations to ensure a seamless travel experience for the citizens of Pune.
