In a decisive move triggered by a tragic bus accident in Mumbai, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has announced a significant tightening of safety protocols for its drivers. The public transport body is mandating stricter enforcement of breathalyser tests, particularly for evening shifts, and imposing a complete ban on using cellphones while driving.
Safety Measures Intensified After Mumbai Wake-Up Call
The action comes directly in response to an accident involving a BEST bus in Mumbai late on Monday, which resulted in four fatalities and left ten people injured. PMPML chairperson and managing director Pankaj Deore emphasized that commuter safety remains the topmost priority, especially amidst recurring complaints of reckless driving during evening hours.
"Several measures have been implemented till now, including random breathalyser tests, fire audits of buses and sensitisation programmes to reinforce adherence to traffic rules. These steps will now be intensified," Deore stated. A senior PMPML official elaborated that while breathalyser tests are currently conducted randomly at the start of both day and evening shifts, the corporation now plans to make these tests mandatory for all evening-shift drivers.
Instructions have also been issued to buses operated by private contractors. Regarding the rampant use of mobile phones, the official assured that action is taken promptly whenever violations are reported and that this rule will be strictly enforced going forward.
Commuters Voice Frustration Over Routine Violations
Despite the announced measures, daily commuters in Pune believe the authorities need to do much more to ensure genuine safety on the roads. Residents from various parts of the city reported frequent and alarming traffic violations by PMPML drivers.
Asha Nagre, a resident of Lohegaon, claimed that PMPML drivers commonly ignore traffic rules. "I frequently see PMPML drivers ignoring traffic rules and jumping signals, which is a serious offence," she said. Rohit Nandeo from Camp area echoed these concerns, pointing specifically to rash driving by electric bus drivers. He noted that e-bus drivers often overtake without honking, startling others, and at major roundabouts, buses block multiple lanes haphazardly.
"PMPML needs to work closely with the police to curb this problem," Nandeo suggested. Another daily commuter, Srikant Patil, highlighted dangerous behaviour at busy junctions like the Shahir Amar Shaikh junction near Juna Bazaar. "Drivers can be seen talking on phones and even watching videos. They become impatient during long waits and speed through red signals. A major accident like the one in Mumbai appears inevitable if this continues," Patil warned.
Special Bus Services for Koregaon Bhima Announced
In a separate development, PMPML has also organized special bus services for commuters travelling to the Vijay Stambh in Koregaon Bhima on December 31 and January 1. A total of 105 buses will operate from various depots and bus stops in Pune on both days, with regular fares applicable.
Additionally, 75 buses will run free of cost from Lonikand and Tulapur Phata to the memorial site. For the route between Shikrapur and Vadhu Budruk, more than 380 buses will be deployed. Specifically, 150 buses will ply on December 31, and 380 buses will operate on January 1 to manage the expected crowd.
The recent tragic incident in Mumbai has undoubtedly cast a spotlight on public transport safety across Maharashtra. While PMPML's new directives are a step in the right direction, their effective on-ground implementation and continuous monitoring will be key to restoring commuter confidence and preventing future tragedies.
