Lack of Last-Mile Connectivity Worries Hinjewadi Metro Commuters
Hinjewadi Metro: The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro line is expected to start in 2026, but many people in Pune, especially those working in the IT sector, are worried. While more than 85% of the metro work is complete, last-mile connectivity is still missing. This means there’s no clear plan yet on how people will get to the metro stations from their homes or offices.
What is Last-Mile Connectivity?
Last-mile connectivity means making it easy for people to reach a metro station from where they live or work. This includes things like:
- Walkable footpaths
- Skywalks
- Underpasses
- Feeder buses
- Shared autos
Without these, using the metro becomes difficult, especially for daily office-goers in busy areas like Hinjewadi IT Park.
Commuters Raise Concerns
Many tech workers in Hinjewadi say the roads are already in bad shape—with potholes, broken footpaths, and traffic jams. They worry that even after the metro starts, these problems will make it hard to actually use the service.
One commuter said, “If there are no proper paths to reach the metro station, how are we supposed to use it every day?” This concern is shared by hundreds of people who travel in and out of Hinjewadi for work.
Delay in Feeder Infrastructure
Although the metro line is almost done, the essential support systems haven’t started yet. These include skywalks from office buildings to the station and better pedestrian zones. Even though the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) says a consultant is being appointed to plan the roads and footpaths, work hasn’t begun on the ground.
An official from a local commuter group said, “We hoped the metro would also bring better roads and footpaths, but nothing has changed.”
Impact of Poor Roads in Monsoon
During the rainy season, the situation in Hinjewadi gets worse. Roads become slippery, water fills the potholes, and footpaths are impossible to walk on. If things don’t improve before the metro opens, people may avoid the metro and stick to their private vehicles. This would go against the goal of the metro—to reduce traffic and pollution in the city.
Traffic Jams Still a Big Problem
Hinjewadi already faces serious traffic jams, especially at Laxmi Chowk, a major junction. The area was not designed for today’s heavy vehicle load. Without last-mile solutions, traffic will only get worse around metro stations.
₹650 Crore Road Projects Planned
To handle traffic issues, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has announced road and flyover projects worth ₹650 crore. Land for these projects is being acquired, and work will begin once all approvals are in place. But there’s still uncertainty about whether these upgrades will be ready before the metro starts.
Local Residents Want Fast Action
Residents in housing societies near the metro route say they are losing hope. They expected better roads and smoother travel once the metro arrived. Now, they feel frustrated seeing no progress on footpaths or skywalks.
One resident from the Blue Ridge Society in Hinjewadi said, “Without proper walking paths, people will just use their bikes and cars. That will make the areas around metro stations more crowded and unsafe.”
City Needs Better Planning – Hinjewadi Metro
Experts believe this problem shows a common issue in Indian cities—large transport projects are completed without working on connecting infrastructure. For the Hinjewadi metro to be truly useful, first and last-mile connectivity must be ready before the service begins.
Pune aims to become a smart city, but without better planning, such goals remain on paper. Authorities must ensure that public transport is not just available, but actually usable.
Will Commuters Choose Hinjewadi Metro?
Right now, the answer is unclear. Many people want to switch to the metro but say they will only do so if it is easy and safe to access. Otherwise, they will stick to private vehicles, even if that means sitting in long traffic jams every day.
A software engineer working in Hinjewadi summed it up: “Fixing the last-mile problem is as important as finishing the metro line itself. If we can’t reach the station easily, what’s the point?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the meaning of last-mile connectivity in metro services?
Last-mile connectivity refers to the transportation options available for people to reach the metro station from their home or office. It includes footpaths, buses, rickshaws, and skywalks.
Why is last-mile connectivity important in Hinjewadi?
Hinjewadi is a busy IT area with heavy traffic and poor road conditions. Without proper last-mile options, people may find it hard to use the metro.
When will the Hinjewadi metro start?
The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is expected to be ready by 2026.
What is being done to fix traffic problems in Hinjewadi?
MIDC has planned new roads and flyovers worth ₹650 crore. Land acquisition has begun, but work is still in early stages.
By solving the last-mile connectivity Hinjewadi metro issues, Pune can truly benefit from its investment in public transport. But for that to happen, the city needs to act fast and focus on making the metro easy to access for everyone.
Let’s hope the metro becomes not just a structure—but a solution.
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I’m Priya Agarwal, and I write about everything related to Hinjewadi! From the latest news and events to hidden spots and local businesses, my articles are all about helping you explore and enjoy this vibrant area. Whether you live here or are just visiting, I aim to bring you useful, interesting, and up-to-date information about Hinjewadi. Stay tuned for more!
