The reliability of Pune's public bus service continues to deteriorate, with breakdown figures reaching alarming new highs. Data from the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) reveals a persistent and worsening trend of bus failures, causing significant daily hassles for thousands of commuters.
Alarming Statistics Highlight a Growing Crisis
According to official PMPML figures, the transport utility recorded a staggering 20,345 bus breakdowns of various kinds between January and November 2024. This number already exceeds the total breakdowns for the entire previous year, which stood at 17,784 in 2023. Officials have admitted that the final tally for the full twelve months of 2024 will be substantially higher than the 19,446 incidents reported in the same Jan-Nov period last year.
This consistent decline in service reliability has left daily commuters exasperated. Jayesh Kulkarni, a resident of Baner, voiced a common sentiment, questioning when the PMPML will finally improve. He pointed out that despite annual promises from officials, the numbers refuse to drop, and people continue to face disruptions.
Private Contractors Under Scrutiny for Poor Maintenance
A significant portion of the problem appears to stem from buses operated by private contractors. The PMPML's own fleet currently consists of 720 buses, while approximately 1,300 buses are run by 11 private contractors. The breakdown data sharply highlights the disparity in maintenance quality.
For instance, in January 2024, 450 PMPML-owned buses suffered breakdowns compared to 950 from private contractors. The gap widened in March, with 499 PMPML bus failures against a massive 1,181 from private operators. A senior PMPML official stated that the maintenance of contractor buses is their responsibility, and despite repeated instructions, the figures prove they are not performing effectively.
PMPML Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pankaj Deore confirmed action, saying, "We have issued notices to some private contractors whose buses are creating frequent problems. Their payments will remain suspended until they mend their buses." However, commuters like Rahul Shreshtha from Undri argue that for the public, all buses are PMPML buses, and the utility must take ultimate responsibility for maintenance and proper planning.
Official Response and Future Plans
Addressing other issues, CMD Deore mentioned that older electric buses were facing major issues, partly due to traffic conditions. To counter this, the utility has advised changing batteries in buses older than six years and has increased emergency charging time during breaks from 30 minutes to one hour.
Deore also informed that a comprehensive fire audit of all buses is currently underway, which will help identify exact problems. He denied recent reports of the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) issuing a notice to PMPML regarding breakdowns causing traffic jams.
Looking ahead, an official indicated a potential shift, revealing that the PMPML will start receiving 1,000 new CNG buses of its own from January 2026 onwards, which could help reduce dependency on private contractors.
However, citizen advocacy groups like the PMP Pravasi Manch remain skeptical. Representative Sanjay Shitole criticized the authorities for lacking conviction, suggesting measures like hiring external experts, taking strict action against contractors, and deploying manufacturer mechanics for vehicle checks. "Year after year, it is the same story. Commuters are tired now," Shitole concluded, echoing the frustration of Pune's bus-riding public.
