India, Aug. 31 -- Pune Metro's network has expanded to 29 stations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, but inadequate feeder bus services are emerging as a major hurdle to last-mile connectivity.

PMPML operates just 15 feeder buses on seven routes, resulting in low frequencies and forcing commuters to increasingly depend on private vehicles and autorickshaws. The shortage is particularly problematic as the Metro carries around two lakh passengers daily, with trains running at shorter intervals than feeder buses.

Two feeder routes-Ramwadi Metro Station-Pune Airport and Pimpri Metro Station-Akurdi Railway Station-have also been discontinued after failing to generate the expected passenger response, further weakening connectivity to key tran...