**Pune Municipal Corporation Flags 20 Plots for Metro Station Parking Hubs**
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has identified 20 plots near metro stations across Pune for development into dedicated parking hubs, officials announced on Wednesday. Unlike previous plans, PMC intends to execute this project independently instead of transferring the land to the Pune Metro authority.
**Parking Crunch Spurs Action**
As Pune Metro expands its operations with two main lines—one connecting Pimpri Chinchwad to Swargate and the other from Vanaz to Ramwadi—commuters have begun to notice a significant shortage of parking spaces near metro stations. With further expansions underway or in the approval process, experts are raising concerns about the metro’s usability if adequate parking facilities are not provided.
Currently, only a few metro stations offer parking, and even these are limited in size. Additionally, the feeder bus service operated by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has yet to reach full functionality. This forces commuters to park on roadsides, exacerbating traffic congestion in the city.
A Pune Metro official pointed out that many potential riders face the “first-mile/last-mile” challenge. Without convenient parking or smooth transit options to reach stations, commuters tend to prefer using their personal vehicles instead.
**PMC’s Proposal: Own, Develop & Benefit**
PMC has decided to retain ownership of the identified land parcels and develop parking facilities itself. This approach will enable the corporation to manage daily operations and generate ongoing revenue from the infrastructure.
PMC’s chief engineer, Dinkar Gojare, confirmed that the 20 shortlisted plots cover key locations along major metro stations. Of these, seven plots are along Jangali Maharaj Road (JM Road), five on Nagar Road, and three on Karve Road. PMC plans to adopt the same strategy for the upcoming Line 3, stretching from Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar, which is slated to become operational by March 2026.
**Selected Sites for Parking Development**
Some of the prime locations identified for parking hub development include:
– Old Octroi Naka in Bopodi
– Parvati
– Kothrud (including Mayur Colony)
– Erandwane
– Four plots in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden (JM Road)
– Three plots at the Balgandharva premises
– PMC’s LBT office
– The area behind PMC’s main building
– Ramabai Ambedkarnagar
– Two plots in Mahatma Gandhi Garden
– Bund Garden
– Yerawada
– Zashichi Raani in Sadashiv Peth
This initiative by PMC aims to ease parking woes, improve commuter experience, and support the growing public transport infrastructure in Pune.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-parking-crunch-pushes-pmc-to-develop-own-metro-area-parking-facilities