Pune Metro Rail Services to Remain Suspended for Nine Hours on Dhulivandan Route

Pune Metro services will remain suspended for nine hours on March 3, 2026, on the occasion of Dhulivandan. Passenger operations on all metro routes will stay closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Services will resume at 3 p.m. and continue as per the regular timetable until 11 p.m.

The schedule change was announced by Pune Metro Rail through its official social media handles on March 2, 2026. Commuters across the city have been advised to take note of the revised timings and plan their travel accordingly, especially those heading to offices, colleges or festive gatherings during the morning hours.

According to the official advisory, metro trains will not operate between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. due to Dhulivandan celebrations. Operations will restart at 3 p.m. and run normally until 11 p.m. Regular full-day services are expected to resume on March 4, 2026.

Passengers who usually depend on Pune Metro during peak morning hours on March 3 may need to rely on alternative modes of transport such as PMPML buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs, private vehicles or carpool services. Higher traffic congestion is likely on key corridors during the festive period.

Alongside changes in metro services, Pune Traffic Police have made elaborate arrangements for Dhulivandan and Holi celebrations. More than 800 traffic personnel will be deployed across major chowks, busy roads and sensitive locations in the city to prevent accidents and manage congestion.

Officials will set up multiple checkpoints to take action against drunk driving, riding without helmets, triple riding and overspeeding. Vehicles found violating rules may be seized, and criminal cases registered where required. Breathalyser checks will be conducted at important junctions throughout the day and night.

Authorities have urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and adhere to traffic rules to ensure public safety during the festive period.