Pune to Navi Mumbai airport bus services began on Wednesday with two daily MSRTC E-Shivai buses from Swargate, giving passengers a direct road connection to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport at a maximum adult fare of Rs 445.
The first bus leaves Swargate at 6.15 am and is scheduled to reach the airport at around 9.30 am. The second departs at 2.25 pm and is expected to arrive at approximately 6 pm. The service covers a distance of about 120 km.
The route includes stops at Wanaz, Chandni Chowk, Balewadi, Hinjewadi Phata and Indira College in Wakad. These stops extend access to passengers from several parts of western Pune, including residential and employment areas around Wakad and Hinjewadi, without requiring a separate journey to the airport or a transfer between services.
The adult fare has been fixed at Rs 445, while the fare for children is Rs 230. Passengers eligible for concessions can use the applicable benefits through their National Common Mobility Card. The buses are electric E-Shivai vehicles operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.
The initial schedule has raised concerns among commuters about whether two services a day will be sufficient as flight operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport expand. The timings may not match all departures and arrivals, particularly for passengers travelling outside the morning and afternoon windows.
Rahul Jadhav, a Wakad resident, said additional frequency would be needed as more Pune passengers begin using the airport. He said two buses a day may not provide enough options for flyers whose flight timings do not align with the current schedule.
Arun Siya, divisional controller of MSRTC’s Pune division, said the corporation would monitor passenger demand before adding services. “We would analyse the demand and will increase the frequency on the route,” Siya told The Indian Express.
For commuters in Wakad, Hinjewadi and nearby areas, the direct route is expected to provide an alternative to travelling to Pune airport, where traffic congestion can affect road journeys. The connection also uses the road link towards Navi Mumbai through the expressway and Missing Link, according to the report.
MSRTC has also introduced direct services connecting Navi Mumbai International Airport with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar and Borivali. The next change on the Pune route will depend on the passenger demand assessment and the corporation’s decision on increasing frequency.
