Pune: Maha Metro is mulling over longer rakes and more frequent service on its existing routes before trains start chugging on the PMRDA’s Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro line.The work of the 23-km-long Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro line has reached the last stage. Around 13 stations are expected to be ready in the next two months. This line will meet the two existing Metro lines at Civil Court station. Maha Metro’s managing director Shravan Hardikar said both Maha Metro and the PMRDA were working jointly on various platforms to provide seamless travel experience to commuters.The authorities expect an increase in commuters’ footfall by around 90,000 to one lakh once the Hinjewadi line becomes fully functional. So, Maha Metro is getting a detailed study done to increase the frequency of train service and convert existing three-coach rakes to six-compartment rakes.Maha Metro currently operates trains on two routes — Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to Swargate and Vanaz to Ramwadi — from 6am to 11pm. Trains run at an interval of seven minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during non-peak hours.The authorities are also looking forward to integration of the ticketing system between the two existing Metro lines with the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro line. A common ticketing app and QR code are being developed to integrate ticketing services so that commuters can switch between Metro lines without hassles.A foot overbridge work has started at the Civil Court station. It will connect the station to the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro line. The bridge is expected to be ready in two months.Another integration point is coming up at Shivajinagar (Shimla Office Chowk). Maha Metro has constructed a ticket counter and an underpass for commuters there to switch between the lines.
