In a bid to alleviate revenue losses stemming from the transit of empty buses, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is spearheading a strategic initiative to secure space for nine new depots, with a pronounced focus on peripheral areas such as Wakad, Ravat, Moshi, and Bhosari.
This proactive move underscores PMPML’s commitment to operational efficiency and financial sustainability in the face of mounting challenges. Addressing the pressing issue of empty bus runs, a senior PMPML official emphasised the pivotal role of establishing depots on the outskirts of Pune. By strategically locating these depots, PMPML aims to optimise its operational logistics, enabling buses to commence journeys from peripheral depots in the morning, serve passengers within the city, and return to suburban bases at night, thereby mitigating the financial burden of empty trips. The current operational paradigm, characterised by all PMPML depots situated within city limits, has engendered inefficiencies and financial losses. With an estimated daily ridership of 12 to 13 lakh passengers, a significant portion of whom hail from suburban and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) areas, the imperative for strategically positioned depots becomes apparent. PMPML’s request to PMRDA for space allocation underscores the necessity of at least five acres of land for each depot, a critical component in optimising operations and curbing financial haemorrhage. The pending payment from PMRDA, amounting to ₹187 crore for PMPML services within its jurisdiction last year, further accentuates the financial strain faced by the transit authority.
Moreover, the utilisation of PMRDA spaces for parking and depot purposes incurs substantial costs for PMPML, exacerbating financial challenges. Therefore, the establishment of new depots on the outskirts of Pune emerges as a pragmatic solution to streamline operations and fortify the financial resilience of PMPML amidst prevailing constraints. Collaborative efforts between PMPML and PMRDA are imperative to navigate these challenges successfully and ensure the seamless provision of public transportation services for commuters across the region. As PMPML forges ahead with its strategic vision, bolstered by support from regional authorities, the prospect of enhanced operational efficiency and fiscal sustainability looms promising on the horizon.
