The Nashik Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (NMPML), the transport wing of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), has officially ruled out any immediate increase in bus fares. This decision comes as a significant relief for thousands of daily commuters who have been grappling with rising fuel costs.
No Proposal for Fare Revision
The civic transport body clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to revise passenger fares, despite a sharp increase in diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices over the past few weeks. The clarification was issued in response to widespread speculation about a possible fare revision due to escalating operational expenses. NMPML officials dismissed these reports as baseless and not reflective of the actual situation.
Fuel Price Impact on Operations
Since May 15, diesel prices have been hiked by approximately Rs 8 per litre, while CNG rates have increased by Rs 6 per kilogram. This has significantly impacted the corporation’s operational costs. Of the 250 buses currently operated by the NMPML, nearly 200 run on CNG, while the remaining 50 are diesel-powered. Fuel pricing is a critical factor in the overall expenditure of the transport wing.
Commitment to Affordability
Despite the cost pressure, the NMPML has decided to maintain current fare levels, prioritising affordability and public convenience. A senior civic official stated, “Providing safe, reliable and economical transport remains our primary objective. No process has been initiated for fare revision.” The decision underscores the NMPML’s commitment to serving the commuting needs of Nashik residents without imposing additional financial burden.
Growth of Citylink Bus Service
NMPML’s bus service, branded as Citylink, has witnessed substantial growth since the NMC took over operations from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on July 8, 2021. The service began with just 27 buses operating on 11 routes, carrying around 5,000 passengers daily and generating an average revenue of Rs 1.30 lakh per day.
Expansion in Fleet and Ridership
Over the past five years, both fleet strength and ridership have expanded significantly. Currently, the 250 buses operate on 60 routes across the city and adjoining rural areas such as Trimbakeshwar, Sinnar, and Pimpalgaon. The daily footfall has surged to nearly 70,000 passengers, with average daily revenue touching Rs 21 lakh. The service now covers approximately 27 terminals, two depots, and nearly 1,440 bus stops, strengthening last-mile connectivity for commuters.
Officials reiterated that citizens should not believe in rumours regarding fare hikes and continue to rely on Citylink services for their daily commuting needs. The NMPML remains focused on expanding its network and improving service quality while keeping fares affordable.
