15,719 PMPML Bus Breakdowns in 2024 Disrupt Daily Travel
PMPML bus breakdowns are still a major problem for commuters in Pune. As per a report by HT, there were 15,719 PMPML bus breakdowns in 2014. This number is slightly better than the 17,784 breakdowns had in 2023.
Despite promises of new buses, the issue continues to disrupt daily travel and damage the reliability of public transport.
PMPML operates around 1,800 buses daily, but on any given day, 300 to 400 buses are out of service for repairs or maintenance.
Tyre issues, battery problems, and more serious mechanical failures contribute to these frequent breakdowns.
As a result, only 80 buses are available for every 1,000 passengers, causing delays and discomfort for commuters.
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Nitin Narvekar, joint managing director of PMPML, acknowledged that old buses are a major cause of these breakdowns. He mentioned plans to replace over 300 old buses with 400 new CNG buses, which should help reduce breakdowns in the future.
However, the problem isn’t just about old buses. Atul Namekar, secretary of the Sinhagad Road-Warje Residents’ Association, pointed out that minor issues like tyre punctures also add to the breakdowns. Though small, these issues have a big impact on the overall efficiency of the service.
Commuters are feeling the strain of these breakdowns. Ankita Manjre, a daily commuter, shared her experience, saying, “Every month, the bus breaks down four to five times on my route. Often, old buses are used during the peak morning hours, causing delays for office-goers.”
The ongoing problem of PMPML bus breakdowns shows how critical it is for Pune’s public transport system to be overhauled. While plans for new buses are in place, the road to reliable service still seems long.
