Pune: PMPML Bus Denied Entry For Passenger Pick-Ups, Citing Security Regulations
Pune: PMPML Bus Denied Entry For Passenger Pick-Ups, Citing Security Regulations
Pune: The Lohegaon airport authorities have turned down a request from the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to allow city buses to enter the airport premises for passenger pick-ups.
Following a meeting on Tuesday between PMPML chairman and managing director Pankaj Deore, airport director Santosh Dhoke, and other officials, it was decided that a joint survey would be conducted after Diwali to identify nearby land that could be developed for PMPML operations.
“According to regulations, public transport vehicles cannot be parked within 100 metres of the airport premises. Since Pune airport is also a defence airbase, these security norms must be strictly followed,” Deore.
He added that once the survey identifies suitable land, it could be used for parking buses and creating other supporting infrastructure for PMPML services.
Currently, PMPML buses are parked along one side of Airport Road, near Symbiosis College. Passengers often find it inconvenient to reach these buses, as they must cross the busy New Airport Road—frequently while carrying luggage.
Flyers have been consistently demanding that buses be allowed inside the premises for easier access. Earlier this year, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol had announced that PMPML buses, prepaid autos, and some cabs would soon be allowed within the airport premises, but the plan has yet to materialize.
Airport director Santosh Dhoke clarified that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) rules prohibit public vehicles from parking within 100 metres of airport boundaries. “Earlier, we allowed buses because there was no AeroMall and limited space. Now that AeroMall provides parking and access facilities, buses can no longer be permitted inside,” Dhoke said.
