Enhancing Airport Connectivity: Nagpur Metro’s Plan for Extended Hours and Additional Buses

Nagpur Metro is gearing up to revolutionize airport connectivity by extending operational hours and introducing more buses, particularly focusing on the Airport Metro Station. This initiative aims to address the growing concerns of passengers regarding first and last-mile connectivity.

Current Operational Hours and Challenges

Presently, Nagpur Metro operates from 6 AM to 10 PM, with trains running every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak times. However, this schedule doesn’t align well with many flight timings, leading to over half of the flights either overlapping with or falling outside the metro’s operating hours. Consequently, a significant 87% of travelers resort to taxis or private vehicles to reach the airport.

Expert Insights on Extended Hours

Transportation experts believe that extending the metro’s operational hours could substantially improve airport connectivity. For instance, Delhi Metro operates from 5 AM to 11:30 PM, with its airport line starting as early as 4:45 AM. Similarly, Bangalore Metro runs from 5 AM to 11 PM, and Pune Metro from 6 AM to 11 PM. Aligning Nagpur Metro’s schedule with these cities could help synchronize with nearly 60% of flight departures.

MahaMetro’s Response to Connectivity Concerns

In response to these challenges, MahaMetro is actively working on multimodal integration and plans to introduce additional shuttle buses. A senior MahaMetro official stated, “We are working on multimodal integration and additional shuttle buses. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this proposal is in progress and will soon be submitted to the state government, following a recent meeting with Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik.”

Evaluating Feasibility of Extended Service Hours

MahaMetro is also assessing the feasibility of extending metro service hours. The official added, “We plan to extend operational timings till late night once the Butibori line of Phase 2 becomes operational. With additional rolling stock from Phase 2, along with the existing Phase 1 fleet, we aim to cater to both night-shift workers at Butibori MIDC and airport travelers. However, extending service hours at just one station is challenging at this stage, as multiple factors need to be considered.”

Infrastructure Improvements for Seamless Connectivity

Beyond operational extensions, MahaMetro is exploring further infrastructure enhancements. “We are considering a dedicated physical link between the airport and the Airport Metro Station. The goal is to ensure a seamless transition for flyers using the metro,” the official noted.

Current Utilization of Airport Metro Station

Despite achieving a daily ridership of 1.5 lakh, the Airport Metro Station remains underutilized, with only about 530 passengers per day. Authorities believe that improved connectivity, extended hours, and additional shuttle services could significantly boost metro usage among airport-bound travelers, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transport.

Nagpur Metro’s proactive approach to extending operational hours and enhancing connectivity through additional shuttle services and infrastructure improvements is poised to transform airport transit in the city. These initiatives not only aim to provide convenience to passengers but also promote sustainable and efficient urban transportation.

1. What are the current operational hours of Nagpur Metro?

   • Nagpur Metro currently operates from 6 AM to 10 PM.

2. Why is there a need to extend metro operational hours?

   • Extending operational hours would better align with flight schedules, providing improved connectivity for airport travelers.

3. What steps is MahaMetro taking to improve airport connectivity?

   • MahaMetro plans to extend operational hours, introduce additional shuttle buses, and explore infrastructure improvements like a dedicated link between the airport and the Airport Metro Station.

4. How does Nagpur Metro’s current schedule compare to other cities?

   • Cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune have longer metro operating hours, starting as early as 5 AM and ending around 11 PM, which better accommodate airport travelers.

5. What is the current daily ridership of the Airport Metro Station?

   • The Airport Metro Station currently has about 530 passengers per day, despite the overall metro system’s daily ridership of 1.5 lakh.