Pune: PMPML Under Fire for Neglecting Safety of Commuters on Old Buses
Pune, 3rd June 2023: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is facing a serious safety issue with its aging fleet of buses. Approximately 350 buses, either over 10 years old or having covered more than seven lakh kilometers, are still in operation despite being in dire need of maintenance. This poses a significant risk to the lives of commuters who rely on these buses for daily transportation. The main reason for their continued operation is the insufficient number of replacement buses available for PMPML.
The condition of these buses has deteriorated to such an extent that they should be phased out entirely. However, the continued operation of these condemned buses is negatively impacting the overall state of the PMPML fleet. Valuable resources are being diverted towards frequent maintenance, which could otherwise be utilized to maintain buses in better condition.
Moreover, breakdowns have become a common occurrence, leading to delays and inconvenience for passengers. The aging buses have become a safety hazard, further compromising the well-being of commuters.
According to the PMPML website, a staggering 11,00,740 people rely on the 1,565 buses that operate daily. The overcrowding exacerbates the problems faced by the aging buses, placing an even greater strain on their maintenance.
Ramesh Chavan, chief engineer of PMPML, acknowledged the urgent need to retire these buses. However, the lack of an adequate number of buses has compelled the transport body to continue their operation. Efforts are being made to maintain them and minimize inconvenience to passengers. Requests for 100 electric buses and 200 CNG buses have been submitted to the Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Once these new buses are received, the old ones will be phased out.
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