*MAHARASHTRA METRO RAIL CORPORATION LIMITED*(Nagpur Metro Rail Project)
In a collaborative effort to improve public transport connectivity and encourage the use of Metro services among students, Maha Metro, in partnership with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), has launched a special feeder bus service to two prominent educational institutions in the city. The initiative aims to streamline travel options for students, offering them a seamless transition from Metro stations to their campuses while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in Nagpur.
The move follows a recent Metro Samwad (dialogue) organized by Maha Metro at the Government College of Engineering, Wardha Road, Nagpur, and Allen Coaching Classes, Subhash Nagar. With approximately 1,500 students commuting daily to the Government College of Engineering and 9,000 students traveling to Allen Coaching Classes from different parts of the city. Maha Metro approached both the institutions to explore ways of encouraging more students to use public transportation.
The growing number of vehicles on the road has led to increasing traffic congestion, contributing to higher emissions and deteriorating air quality. In response to this concern, the management at both institutions recognized the need for a sustainable transportation alternative that could alleviate pressure on the city’s infrastructure. Maha Metro, with its emphasis on eco-friendly travel, offered an ideal solution, with the Metro system being the greenest mode of transport in Nagpur. Additionally, the Metro’s student-friendly fare structure, which includes a 30% discount, makes it an attractive option for students.
The initiative to engage students through the Metro Samwad was well-received by both the students and the management of the institutions. The sessions highlighted the benefits of Metro travel, focusing on its affordability, environmental sustainability, and efficiency.
In response to the feedback and to further address the challenge of last-mile connectivity, Maha Metro, in coordination with NMC, has launched two dedicated feeder bus services. These buses will provide a convenient link between the nearest Metro stations and the educational institutions, making it easier for students to commute, i.e., for Government Engineering College from New Airport Metro Station and for Allen Coaching Classes from Subhash Nagar Metro Station.
From November 26, 2024, a special feeder bus service began operation between the Government College of Engineering and the New Airport Metro Station, ensuring that students can easily access the Metro network. A similar service will begin on November 29, 2024, connecting Subhash Nagar Metro Station to Allen Coaching Classes in Subhash Nagar.
The new feeder bus routes are designed to complement the Metro’s existing services, ensuring smoother, faster, and more reliable connections for students. The launch of the services is expected to encourage greater use of public transport minimising the use of 2 wheelers by the students, particularly among the youth, and ease congestion on Nagpur’s roads.
