Pune Metro Station Parking Overcharging Sparks Action as Maha Metro Terminates Contractor’s Contract

Pune, 1st October 2024: As of yesterday, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has implemented a pay-and-park system at the Pune District Court Metro Station for its passengers. However, the appointed contractors have begun overcharging passengers. While the agreed fee is Rs 15 for two hours, the contractors are charging Rs 30, which is double the amount.

A complaint was lodged with the Maha Metro administration, leading to the cancellation of the contractor’s contract. Despite this action, the parking rates set by Maha Metro remain unaffordable for common people, which could lead to a preference for private vehicles over the Pune Metro, ultimately increasing traffic.

On Sunday (29th September), Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the underground route from the District Court Metro Station to Swargate Metro Station. This new route facilitates direct travel from Swargate to Pimpri Chinchwad via the Metro, leading to an increase in passengers. The District Court Metro Station holds high importance as it is an interchange station, and a parking lot has been arranged there.

Maha Metro Administration set a rate of Rs 15 for two hours in its contract with the contractors for the paid parking facility at this location. However, the contractor began overcharging from the very first day, demanding Rs 15 for one hour instead of the agreed-upon rate of Rs 15 for two hours. As a result, citizens parking their vehicles for 4 to 5 hours faced exorbitant charges, often spending more on parking than on the Metro fare.

Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Administration and Public Relations at Maha Metro, stated that the contract was canceled immediately upon receiving the complaint regarding overcharging.

Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has parking lots in various locations throughout the city, charging Rs 3 per hour for two-wheelers and Rs 5 per hour for four-wheelers. Citizens are now demanding a reduction in Maha Metro’s parking fees, citing the more affordable rates offered by PMC.