Pune Metro Races To Address Leaking Stations Amidst Intense Monsoon Rains
Pune Metro Races To Address Leaking Stations Amidst Intense Monsoon Rains
Pune Metro is racing against time to address significant water leakage issues at several of its stations due to relentless monsoon rains. Commuters have reported dangerous conditions with water accumulating on floors, making navigation hazardous. Stations affected include Deccan Gymkhana, Garware College, Sambhaji Garden, and Vanaz, with leaks observed near ticket counters, entry and exit points, and platforms.
Passengers, especially senior citizens, face significant difficulties. One 82-year-old passenger shared his concerns: “The floor is constantly wet, which is dangerous for seniors. Walking long distances on slippery floors to reach the platform is a real hazard. They need to cover and maintain the metro stations properly, especially during the rainy season. The leakages near ticket counters are equally risky.”
Devashree Hamdapurkar, a student commuting daily from Vanaz to Garware College, expressed frustration: “It’s disappointing to see such problems in a new facility. What am I paying for if they can’t maintain it properly? Leakages in the station are a major safety issue!”
Another senior citizen, disheartened by the situation at Garware Station, said, “I started using the metro for its convenience. But now I see a lot of negligence at the stations. There’s no staff visible, and the situation has worsened.”
Mitra, a class X student, added, “I enjoy traveling by metro, but these leakages must be addressed. Placing buckets isn’t effective as water still spills out, creating hazards near ticket counters and exits. Authorities need to wake up and fix these issues.”
Hemant Sonawane, public relations officer for Pune Metro, acknowledged the problem and stated that a dedicated team is working to resolve the leaks. “Many factors could have resulted in the leaks. The metal sheet roofs are designed to withstand wind, and at some places, water might be seeping through overlapped sheets or drill holes for fastening,” explained Sonawane.
He emphasized the complexity of the repairs, noting that work must be done during dry periods for safety reasons, as workers need to climb 70-80 feet high roofs. “It’s been raining incessantly, making it difficult to find a suitable window. But we are on the job,” assured Sonawane.
As the city continues to face heavy rains, commuters are urging the Pune Metro authorities to expedite the repairs to ensure safety and convenience for all passengers.
