The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is facing increasing scrutiny over its heavy reliance on buses operated by private contractors. This dependency has become a major concern for the city's public transport system, with a series of issues—ranging from frequent breakdowns to a recent bus theft—repeatedly putting contractor-operated buses under the spotlight and often embarrassing the transport utility.
Fleet Composition and Future Plans
Currently, PMPML owns only 684 buses, while 1,277 vehicles are operated by 11 private contractors. During a recent board of directors' meeting, the utility approved the purchase of 1,000 new buses and decided to hire an additional 600 buses from private contractors. A senior PMPML official explained, "These buses will be added to the fleet in phases by the end of the year. With the new purchases, PMPML's owned fleet would rise to 1,684 buses. However, the number of contractual buses will also increase to 1,877. While this narrows the gap, the priority is to improve the overall fleet size."
Another official pointed out that PMPML's dependence on funding from the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority makes it difficult to independently procure buses. "Budget approvals are required from the board, which includes the heads of these civic bodies. Hiring buses through contractors is quicker and easier. However, PMPML is keen to reduce this dependence, and the purchase of 1,000 buses is a step in that direction," the official said.
Activist and Commuter Concerns
Despite these efforts, activists and commuters argue that PMPML has not exercised adequate control over private contractors. Sanjay Shitole, an activist from PMP Pravasi Manch, stated, "A majority of monthly breakdowns involve contractor-operated buses. While drivers are employed by contractors, conductors are PMPML staff. Even in accidents, contractor buses are disproportionately involved. The same safety and maintenance rules should apply uniformly, but the data suggests otherwise."
Data from April underscores these concerns. While 429 PMPML-owned buses broke down during the month, a staggering 1,960 contractor-operated buses faced breakdowns. In the financial year 2025–26, over 20 contractor buses were involved in accidents leading to 23 fatalities, compared to just two accidents and two fatalities involving PMPML-owned buses.
Accountability and Maintenance Issues
Officials attributed this disparity to accountability issues. One official explained, "Drivers of PMPML buses are directly employed and are more cautious due to stricter consequences. Drivers hired by contractors face limited accountability. Even if removed after an incident, they often find employment elsewhere or are rehired later." Similar concerns have been raised about maintenance standards, with allegations that contractors do not strictly follow standard operating procedures.
Following the recent bus theft, PMPML issued strict instructions to contractors not to hire drivers with a history of accidents. However, commuters believe stronger measures are needed. Regular commuter Arun Sathe remarked, "For passengers, every bus is a PMPML bus, regardless of ownership. The transport body must take full responsibility and ensure higher standards across the board."
