Pune: Two days of moderate rainfall in Pune exposed PMPML’s lack of monsoon preparedness as 264 bus breakdowns were reported across its fleet — 116 on Tuesday and 148 on Wednesday — leaving thousands of commuters inconvenienced.Official data said the figure has surpassed the 233 breakdowns recorded during two rainy days in July 2024.The breakdowns also led to traffic congestion on several major stretches. “On Wednesday, I was stuck for nearly an hour on Pune-Solapur Road amid a drizzle. I saw two stranded PMPML buses worsening the situation,” said Hadapsar resident Ganesh Thatte, who works in the private sector. “The monsoon has only just begun and rainfall has not been heavy. What will happen when the rains intensify? PMPML has been promising reduction in breakdowns for years, but commuters continue to suffer,” he added.The transport body’s dependence on private operators has also come under scrutiny. Currently, PMPML owns only 684 buses and 11 private contractors operate 1,277.Last month, PMPML officials announced an extensive monsoon preparedness plan. The strategy included identifying waterlogging-prone stretches in coordination with the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies and diverting buses from flooded routes. Officials had claimed that maintenance checks were being carried out to ensure buses remained in running condition during the rainy season.However, the latest breakdown figures have raised questions about the effectiveness of the measures. A senior official said, “Only 35 PMPML-owned buses suffered breakdowns over the last two days. Problems were reported in contractor-operated buses. Major causes were tyre punctures and electrical faults triggered by water on roads.”PMPML CMD Mahesh Awhad had not responded to calls and messages till the time of going to press.Meanwhile, commuters continue to remain unconvinced. “We hear the same explanations every year. PMPML keeps blaming private contractors, but shouldn’t it be monitoring maintenance standards? Such breakdowns will not occur repeatedly if proper checks are conducted,” said PMP Pravasi Manch activist Sanjay Shitole.Shivajinagar resident Suhas Gandhav said repeated breakdowns had pushed many away from buses. “I was stranded after a PMPML bus broke down, even without rain, on FC Road last month. Since then, I either use the Metro or my private vehicle. Authorities repeat the same promises, but little changes on the ground,” he said.The breakdown issue remains significant. In May, PMPML recorded 2,428 bus breakdowns, including 412 of its own fleet and 2,016 contractor-operated ones.Urban transport expert Pranjali Deshpande said Pune’s public transport crisis requires a larger structural solution. “Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and the surrounding region require nearly 4,800 buses. The focus should be on expanding a reliable, high-quality public transport fleet. Both municipal corporations must prioritise public transport investment instead of continuing to favour infrastructure for private vehicles,” she said.
