Pune Metro Experiences Record Overcrowding During Ganesh Immersion
For the first time, Pune Metro witnessed Mumbai-style crowds as devotees flocked to the trains for the Ganesh immersion procession. Thousands of passengers chose the metro to avoid traffic and reach immersion sites faster, resulting in heavy congestion at major stations.
The city’s metro service experienced significant overcrowding as Ganesha devotees opted for this convenient transport option to bypass traffic and quickly reach the immersion points. With the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival concluding, the Pune Metro saw a dramatic surge in passengers throughout the day.
To handle the increased footfall, metro authorities made special arrangements, deploying extra staff to ensure smooth operations. Key stations near immersion points, such as Deccan Gymkhana, Kasba Peth, and Alka Talkies, were particularly packed as devotees carrying their Ganesha idols boarded trains for the final celebrations. Volunteers and security personnel were stationed to maintain order and guide passengers safely.
This year, the Pune Metro played a vital role in simplifying the immersion process for devotees, providing a more efficient and convenient travel experience, much like Mumbai’s bustling metro during major events.