Pune: The launch of Maan-District Court Metro Line 3 is expected to benefit Maha Metro’s two existing routes in terms of ridership.Maha Metro is expecting an increase in ridership on Vanaz to Ramwadi and Swargate to Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) routes by 50,000 to 75,000 in phases over the next few months. Metro officials said the administration would increase the frequency of trains on the two existing routes depending on the overall rush.Trains operate at five-minute intervals now. The system was ready to manage train operations at a higher frequency, an official said.Commuters travelling on existing routes will be able to switch to the Hinjewadi line at Civil Court station. A foot-over-bridge has been constructed at Civil Court station to connect the two lines. Tickets have to be purchased separately as of now. The online ticketing system will be operational with the launch of the new line.Maha Metro said besides the launch of Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi line, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation for four lines — Vanaz to Chandni Chowk, Ramwadi to Vitthalwadi, Nal Stop to Warje Manikbaug and Kharadi to Khadakwasla — on Tuesday. All four lines will collectively cover a distance of around 45km.Shravan Hardikar, MD, Maha Metro, said the preliminary works of soil testing and on-field surveys had been launched on the four lines. Maha Metro is working with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), PCMC, defence and district administration to get hold of land required for stations and other works. Hardikar said the daily ridership of the two operational routes had reached between 2.3 lakh and 2.5 lakh.
