50% discount proposed in PMPML journey fares for commuters above 60 years of age

Pune: Standing committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale has proposed a 50% discount on ticket fares for PMPML bus journeys for citizens above 60 years of age. The step, he said, aims to attract more commuters and provide easy public transport options for senior citizens. Details of the proposal are being worked out.Bhimale added that the standing committee is committed to taking people-centric decisions to see that more citizens benefit from public services.Among proposed measures to strengthen the city's public transport grid, more buses are also being added to fleet of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) in coming days. The transport utility is working on a business master plan to develop its depots, too.The standing committee has also proposed integration of the Metro and PMPML services to benefit commuters, with a proposal to prepare a comprehensive transport plan in the next six months for transit-oriented zones near Metro stations.Bhimale also said that since the lack of parking spaces has been a major challenge for travellers in the city, around seven parking spaces will be developed in various areas. Some existing lots will be developed as multi-storeyed parking spaces to accommodate more vehicles.The standing committee has further proposed a road adoption plan in the budget, to be jointly executed with private companies that will look after regular maintenance of 35 roads across the city. Bhimale said they will try to rope in private players to repair and maintain the roads.An assurance was further made for adequate fund provisions for ongoing various flyover, bridge and grade separator projects around the city. The civic administration declared that it has prioritised completion of ‘missing link' roads, for which the standing committee will ensure that the required funds are provided.Bhimale said, "Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has tabled a vision document for Pune. The civic body is working on executing the infrastructure projects proposed in the same. Studies are underway for various proposed tunnels on roads to ease traffic flow."