Pune Metro reverses ban, will allow bicycles on Line 3 after cyclists protest

Pune: Puneri Metro has decided that passengers will be able to carry their bicycles on Metro Line 3. A day or two earlier, the Metro had announced a ban on bicycles, which drew sharp anger from cyclists and ordinary citizens. The administration then deleted its earlier social media post and changed the policy.

The Metro had first said on social media that bicycles would not be allowed on trains. People protested online. The administration then removed the post, discussed the issue and decided to permit bicycles. However, the detailed rules have not yet been announced. It is also unclear whether any limit will apply to carrying bicycles on trains.

The Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar line began operating on November 4. The route connects the IT hub of Hinjewadi with central Pune. On such a route, bicycles can help people cover the distance between the Metro station and their office or home.

On the first day, about 50,000 trips were recorded on Line 3, while normal office and business activity in the city was relatively low. The corridor's busiest station was District Court, where about 25,000 trips were recorded. The station connects to Pune railway station and is an important interchange point for passengers.

Anil Kumar Saini, chief executive officer of Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited, described the first day's response as encouraging. According to him, passengers liked the connectivity and the faster journey on the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar route.

The operator has also indicated that once ridership rises after the Diwali holidays, trains will run every five minutes during peak hours and every eight minutes during non-peak hours.

It is hoped that allowing bicycles will bring cycling and public transport closer together and make last-mile access easier. Officials have not yet clarified the operating guidelines.