Pedestrian access around Pune Metro stations between Deccan Gymkhana and Vanaz is being obstructed by station entry and exit gates, parked vehicles and narrowed roads, according to a ground report by Civic Mirror – Pune published on October 14. The problems are most visible during peak hours, when commuters are forced to negotiate crowded footpaths or walk on the carriageway.
The report examined conditions along the route from Garware College to Vanaz. It found that two-wheelers and other vehicles were parked on footpaths at several locations, leaving pedestrians to move around the obstructions. The resulting conflict is particularly significant near Metro stations, where passenger movement increases during busy periods.
Pranjali Deshpande, who works in sustainable transport, identified station access points and footpath parking as the two main problems along the corridor. She said that Metro entry and exit gates occupy footpath space, while extensive parking further reduces the area available for walking. She also said station exits should open into protected spaces wherever possible, rather than forcing pedestrians towards busy roads.
Deshpande cited the Jhansi Rani Chowk–Balgandharva Metro station as an example where an exit opens into a protected area. She said a similar arrangement at other stations could reduce safety risks during peak periods. The report also highlighted continuing concerns at the SNDT Metro station junction, including narrow footpaths and irregular parking.
The shortage of dedicated cycling infrastructure is another concern raised in the report. Deshpande said the corridor includes several schools and that a safe cycle route could help students combine cycling with Metro travel. Without a separate cycling space, however, using the two modes together becomes difficult and potentially unsafe, according to her assessment.
Prashant Kanojia, a social activist from Kothrud, raised concerns about restricted road space near the bridge and BSNL area, particularly around the Motiwala shops. He alleged that Metro pillars and associated infrastructure had reduced the available space for both vehicles and pedestrians. He also questioned whether the current pillar arrangement would support a possible future Metro extension towards Chandni Chowk. These planning-related claims have not been independently verified through an engineering assessment.
Kanojia also pointed to traffic-management issues near the bridge, including restrictions on right turns from the Kalmadi and Garware sides. He said some motorists avoid the bridge because of the inconvenience and instead add pressure to the road below. He further raised concerns about a signal on a steep approach after the bridge and the movement of large dumpers in the area. The report did not provide official traffic data or an accident assessment for these locations.
Parking access for Metro users remains another reported difficulty. Kanojia suggested examining an unused floor at Vanaz station for parking, estimating that it could accommodate between 700 and 800 vehicles. The space would require technical assessment before any decision on its use. He also alleged that leaking septic tanks in Vanaz, Anandnagar and SNDT were sending wastewater onto roads, while waterlogging near the waste depot beyond Vanaz was being worsened by inadequate drainage connections.
Passengers quoted in the report said blocked footpaths made it difficult to reach stations safely. Nikhil Kulkarni said commuters used the Metro to save time but still struggled to reach stations when vehicles occupied walking space. Another passenger, Adwait Shastri, said pedestrians should not have to enter the road to get around parked vehicles, especially during peak hours.
The report said MahaMetro Additional General Manager for Public Relations and Administration Chandrashekhar Tambwekar did not respond to telephone calls and messages seeking a response. No official clarification on the reported footpath, parking, cycling, drainage or traffic-management concerns was included in the source material.
