PMPML Struggles Continue In Pune: 15,719 Bus Breakdown In 2024
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The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has ended the year on a dismal note, recording 15,719 bus breakdowns in 2024. This marks another year of struggles for the transport body, which has been plagued by ageing buses and poor maintenance.
According to data available until December 23, the breakdown count stands at 15,719, with sources indicating that the final tally for the year is expected to exceed 16,000. This would be among the highest breakdown counts for PMPML, which recorded 17,784 unfinished trips in 2023 and 14,015 in 2022.
The primary reason behind the breakdowns is the ageing fleet of buses, with over 45% of Pune’s 1,880 public buses being 10 years old or more. Not a single new bus has been procured in the current fiscal year, leaving passengers to bear the brunt of the transport body’s inefficiencies.
Transport activists and passengers have expressed disappointment and frustration with the state of public transport in the city. “The condition of PMPML buses is appalling,” said Sanjay Shitole, a transport activist with PMP Pravasi Manch while communicating with media person. “It’s high time the authorities take concrete steps to address the issue.”
Passengers have also shared their own experiences of being stranded due to bus breakdowns. “I was on my way to work when the bus broke down on FC Road,” said a resident. “I had to hail an autorickshaw, and the driver charged me Rs 200.”
PMPML officials have acknowledged the issues and stated that efforts are being made to address them. “We are working to improve the maintenance of our buses and reduce breakdowns,” said Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML while communicating with media person. “We have also asked e-bus operators to replace batteries and use them correctly to prevent breakdowns.”
However, for passengers, the efforts may be too little, too late. “PMPML needs to do more to ensure that buses run smoothly and on time,” said a regular passenger. “Passengers deserve better service, and it’s time the authorities deliver.”you
