Pune: A proposal has been tabled before PMC to get possession of 24 land plots reserved for PMPML to develop bus depots, said chairperson and managing director of the transport utility Mahesh Awhad on Friday.The utility, after surveying 1,200 spots, is also planning to set up bus shelters at 685 locations where there are no sheds across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, said Awhad while speaking at a special general body meeting of PMC on the issues pertaining to PMPML.As many as 40 corporators raised various issues regarding lapses in PMPML buses at the meeting. These issues included lack of bus shelters, breakdowns, rash driving, among others.Awhad said PMPML was putting efforts into reducing bus breakdowns, and a detailed list has been given to all depots to undertake basic checks of buses before deployment. The breakdown of buses of private contractors remains high, he said, adding that PMPML is imposing penalties against these contractors.He said we have a plan to provide solar panic buttons at these shelters and make adequate provision of lighting as part of safety and security measures.On development of reserved plots, Ahwad said there are a total of 32 reserved plots. In the first phase, he said, 24 are planned to be developed. These plots are privately owned; hence, the spaces will have to be acquired through allotting TDR or compensation. PMPML will develop the depots or use it for commercial monetisation.Ahwad said PMPML has also approached state govt to allow leasing out six plots on long-term leasing.Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said that a significant number of students travel in PMPML buses per day. Corporators put forth many issues and loopholes during general body meeting, and collective efforts are needed to improve the overall functioning of PMPML, she said.Standing committee chairperson Shrinath Bhimale said bus services should undergo major improvement, and PMPML administration will have to prepare a comprehensive plan to increase income and provide services to the maximum number of people. With over 1,000 new buses are set to be added in PMPML’s fleet soon, the utility will have to manage operations of these buses.Leader of the house in PMC Ganesh Bidkar, said PMPML’s operational losses are on the rise every year. PMC is extending financial assistance, but the funds are not going to meet the expectations.PMPML will have to improve daily operations and functioning to match requirements of newly added areas in PMC. Many BRTS routes are set to be shut hence, PMPML will have to make changes in the arrangements of entry-exit doors of buses. The transport utility should prepare DPR for operations of 1,000 new buses, he said.
