Pune: PMPML to Hire Conductors on Contract Basis Amid Bus Fleet Expansion

Pune, 21st April 2025: In a major policy shift, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will now hire conductors on a contractual basis — a move aimed at addressing manpower shortages as the city’s public transport network expands. Until now, PMPML sourced only drivers through contractors, while conductors were recruited internally.

The decision comes as PMPML prepares to introduce 1,600 new buses, beginning with 600 in the first phase — 400 on rent and 200 owned. As of now, 146 rental buses have already been inducted into service.

To manage operations effectively, PMPML plans to bring in 2,000 contractual personnel, evenly split between drivers and conductors.

“New buses are gradually being added to the PMPML fleet. With 146 contractor buses already operational, we are hiring 2,000 contractual staff — both drivers and conductors — to avoid manpower shortages. Contractors will handle bus operations, and there are currently no plans for fresh internal recruitment,” said Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML.

Previously, PMPML’s contract system allowed only drivers to be hired through contractors, while conductors continued to be appointed through the organization’s recruitment process. With the new policy, contractors will now be permitted to supply conductors as well.

Officials say the move will streamline daily operations and reduce delays caused by stalled internal recruitment, which has not been conducted in years. The revised staffing strategy is expected to ensure smoother deployment of the newly added buses without further administrative hurdles.