State economic survey report shows grim reality of PMPML

Pune: The state's economic survey report said the number of PMPML buses per day and the number of daily commuters had dipped in 2025 as compared to 2024, presenting a grim reality of the transport utility. An average of 1,658 buses were on the roads daily with passenger traffic at 12.1 lakh in 2024 as against 1,558 buses and 11.3 lakh commuters a day in 2025.
Transport body officials said new buses were to be introduced, but the whole process was slow. An official told TOI: "Tenders for only 600 buses have been finalised, out of the 1,000 CNG vehicles to be added to the fleet. Ashok Leyland will start the delivery from April or May. The remaining tenders are pending."Last year, the transport body had announced that around 15 electric double-decker buses would operate in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad on select routes, with a trial run taking place over a month. Later, the authorities said the thought was being re-evaluated and concluded that the buses would operate, with the tendering process set to be initiated. At present, the entire plan is on the back burner. "We cannot provide more details about the project as the CMD is out of the state for a few months for a training programme. The project is on hold for now," another official said.Earlier, many transport experts had said the state govt needed to seriously focus on the bus services, if they were dedicated to controlling the traffic problem in the city. In the Tomtom traffic index study of 2025, Pune was declared as the fifth most congested city in the world — with an average congestion level of over 70%."In the past, there have been several dialogues about the need for at least 4,500 additional buses in the PMPML fleet. That apart, it is essential to maintain existing vehicles and improve services and reliability, among other requirements. Unfortunately, nothing has moved. The PMPML has only around 2,000 buses currently, with many routes being ignored or under-served. The issue of maintenance has not even been addressed," said sustainable mobility expert Pranjali Deshpande.Commuters said drop in passenger traffic showed that people would explore other means of transport, till something concrete was done with PMPML. "The ridership has almost been stagnant for years and stands between 11 lakh to 12 lakh. The decreasing numbers show that people are not interested to travel in PMPML buses, unless they don't have a choice. Why should I leave my two-wheeler or car and opt for a PMPML bus, when I know I will never reach my destination on time. Unfortunately, the administration of the transport utility shows no desire to improve," said Paresh Joshi, a Kothrud resident and office-goer.