PMPML bus breakdowns surge 30% this monsoon

22 Oct 2024 CW Team

A senior PMPML official attributed the rise to poor road conditions in Pune, stating that the combination of heavy rainfall and existing potholes exacerbated the situation, leading to increased breakdowns and traffic jams. “This time, sudden and heavy rain caused chaos for several days,” the official remarked.

E-buses faced the most challenges this year, primarily due to charging issues linked to traffic and road conditions. Another official emphasised that while PMPML operates the buses, road maintenance falls under the jurisdiction of other departments and agencies.

Commuters expressed frustration over the ongoing issues. Shekhar Dixit, a frequent rider, criticized PMPML for providing the same explanations annually and questioned why other cities manage better. “Do officials mean to say that monsoons don’t affect other places in the country? Everyone is passing the buck; what kind of service is PMPML running?”

Akshay Denge, another regular commuter, pointed out that road construction continued during the monsoon despite directives from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He noted, “While PMPML is to blame for maintenance issues, the PMC shares responsibility.”

The recent inauguration of the Pune Metro section between Civil Court and Swargate has led residents to demand expedited completion of additional lines. College student Kalyani Ghate expressed her discontent with PMPML’s service, stating, “I can’t take PMPML buses anymore. The journey has become agonizing, and with no one concerned, officials have just let it be. With assembly elections approaching, political parties will promise better public transport and roads, but they will forget everything once the elections are over.”

On a positive note, PMPML's mobile app, launched on August 15, has seen significant engagement. Public Relations Officer Satish Gate reported that 23.7 lakh people have used the app, leading to the issuance of approximately 12.2 lakh tickets. He added, “We’re receiving good feedback, and we plan to introduce updates and new features soon.”

(ET)

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) reported a 30% increase in bus breakdowns during the monsoon months this year, compared to the same period last year. Between June and September, 8,628 buses broke down, up from 6,658 in the previous year. A senior PMPML official attributed the rise to poor road conditions in Pune, stating that the combination of heavy rainfall and existing potholes exacerbated the situation, leading to increased breakdowns and traffic jams. “This time, sudden and heavy rain caused chaos for several days,” the official remarked. E-buses faced the most challenges this year, primarily due to charging issues linked to traffic and road conditions. Another official emphasised that while PMPML operates the buses, road maintenance falls under the jurisdiction of other departments and agencies. Commuters expressed frustration over the ongoing issues. Shekhar Dixit, a frequent rider, criticized PMPML for providing the same explanations annually and questioned why other cities manage better. “Do officials mean to say that monsoons don’t affect other places in the country? Everyone is passing the buck; what kind of service is PMPML running?” Akshay Denge, another regular commuter, pointed out that road construction continued during the monsoon despite directives from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He noted, “While PMPML is to blame for maintenance issues, the PMC shares responsibility.” The recent inauguration of the Pune Metro section between Civil Court and Swargate has led residents to demand expedited completion of additional lines. College student Kalyani Ghate expressed her discontent with PMPML’s service, stating, “I can’t take PMPML buses anymore. The journey has become agonizing, and with no one concerned, officials have just let it be. With assembly elections approaching, political parties will promise better public transport and roads, but they will forget everything once the elections are over.” On a positive note, PMPML's mobile app, launched on August 15, has seen significant engagement. Public Relations Officer Satish Gate reported that 23.7 lakh people have used the app, leading to the issuance of approximately 12.2 lakh tickets. He added, “We’re receiving good feedback, and we plan to introduce updates and new features soon.” (ET)

Real Estate

14 Oct 2025

GHMC Launches Drive To Boost Property Tax Revenue

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a special campaign to enhance property tax revenue from non-residential and commercial properties by reassessing their total built-up area. Any discrepancies identified during inspections will trigger immediate revision of both property tax and trade licence fees, officials said. The initial phase of the drive focuses on shopping malls across Hyderabad, with over 300 such establishments identified in the twin cities. After the mall inspections, GHMC will extend the verification process to other non-residential properties, includi..

Infrastructure Urban

14 Oct 2025

Cholamandalam To Raise Rs 10 Billion Via NCD Issue

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has invited bids to raise up to Rs 10 billion through secured non-convertible debentures (NCDs) maturing on 14 October 2030, offering a coupon rate of 7.58 per cent. The NCD issue, announced on Monday, comes at a time when corporate bond activity — which saw strong momentum in the first quarter of FY26 — has slowed during the second quarter owing to rising borrowing costs. However, market analysts anticipate a rebound in the coming months as easing bond yields could reignite investor appetite for corporate debt instruments. The company’s fu..

Infrastructure Urban

14 Oct 2025

Maharashtra Approves Cluster Redevelopment For Mumbai Slums

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a cluster redevelopment scheme for Mumbai’s slums, paving the way for large-scale urban renewal and improved living standards across the city’s informal settlements. The decision, taken on 7 October, seeks to convert slum clusters spread over more than 50 acres into integrated housing projects equipped with modern infrastructure and better amenities. To be implemented by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the initiative aims to accelerate redevelopment, attract private investment, and stimulate construction activity. According to a statement from..