Pune:There has been little change in the number of accidents involving PMPML buses in the city over the past year despite te transport utility’s several measures, bringing back safety concerns.Between April 2025 and March 2026, as many as 25 people died in 22 PMPML bus accidents, only a marginal decline from the 29 deaths recorded in 25 such accidents in 2024-25. Two fatal accidents have occurred in April so far this year.Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML)’s public relations officer Kishor Chauhan, however, used the transport utility’s oft-repeated claim to pass the buck. “There were two mishaps in which two persons died last month, but the buses were not owned by PMPML,” Kishor said. Concerns about safety resurfaced last month when a PMPML bus veered off course and entered a shop at Appa Balwant Chowk. Though no one was injured, the accident reignited the debate over accountability. Many commuters pointed out that reckless driving remained a persistent issue.Commuters said rash driving, signal jumping and abrupt lane changes were common, particularly during late evening hours. “For passengers, all buses are PMPML buses. This distinction between owned and contractor-run vehicles does not matter to us,” said Somesh Patankar, a Camp resident. “Drivers often speed and ignore traffic signals as if they are in a hurry.”Another daily commuter at the congested Juna Bazaar Chowk highlighted frequent rule violations. A senior PMPML official reiterated the organisation’s stance, drawing a distinction between its own drivers and those employed by contractors. “Our drivers are directly on payroll and are regularly trained in safe driving practices. They are less likely to violate rules. The issue largely lies with contractor-operated buses, where drivers may not adhere strictly to regulations,” the official said.
