Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has come under scrutiny after installing 150 new stainless steel bus shelters without obtaining mandatory approval from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sky sign department. The development, part of a broader plan to modernise public transport infrastructure, has triggered disciplinary action within the state-run transport body and raised concerns over commuter safety.
PMPML officials confirmed that the transport authority has taken corrective measures against its commercial department. Senior staff members have been transferred, while show-cause notices have been issued to contractors responsible for erecting the shelters. Sources indicated that compliance with PMC clearance is now mandatory before any further installations, reflecting heightened emphasis on safety and regulatory adherence. The shelter installation initiative, initially proposed under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, envisages a total of 500 modern bus shelters across the city. Private contractors were to design, erect, and monetise the structures through advertisements, sharing revenue with PMPML. However, bureaucratic delays and tender revisions have slowed progress, with only 150 shelters completed to date.
Officials stressed that missing regulatory approvals are particularly significant given that the shelters are intended to carry advertisement hoardings. The incident has prompted internal reviews to ensure that future projects comply with PMC safety and advertising norms. “Approval from the PMC’s sky sign department is non-negotiable, particularly in light of structural safety concerns and urban safety precedents,” a PMPML official stated. Commuters have expressed frustration over the delays and the oversight in regulatory compliance. Many residents noted that existing shelters are insufficient, with only 1,400 of Pune’s 9,400 bus stops currently providing cover. Citizens highlighted the need for both timely installation and rigorous inspections of structural integrity to protect public safety, particularly during heavy monsoon rains or extreme summer heat.
The administrative response includes transferring key officials, issuing directives to contractors, and ensuring PMC oversight before continuing with new shelter projects. The corrective measures aim to balance infrastructure expansion with sustainable, safe, and compliant urban planning, aligning with broader goals of creating a zero-carbon, equitable public transport network. Officials also emphasised that moving forward, every new bus shelter will undergo rigorous approval procedures, ensuring safety, structural integrity, and eco-friendly materials. This approach is intended to enhance commuter confidence, while also integrating urban planning standards that prioritise sustainable and equitable transport solutions.
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