PMPML bus service on low-income routes in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will be reduced by 25% from Saturday, November 7, to Tuesday, November 10, as the transport undertaking adjusts operations for lower passenger demand during the Diwali holidays.
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has instructed its depots to temporarily suspend a quarter of bus trips on routes that generate lower revenue. The order covers buses operating in the morning and afternoon shifts, including some buses running on a fare-based arrangement. PMPML has also directed depots to ensure that services on any route are not stopped continuously.
The reduction is being implemented because workers and schools are on holiday during Diwali, leading to an expected decline in the number of passengers using public buses. Lower ridership would also affect PMPML’s revenue during the period, according to the report by Sakal – Pune.
The change could affect passengers travelling between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad for shopping, work and other essential journeys. Public transport remains an important option for workers, students and residents travelling between the two municipal areas, particularly on routes where alternatives are limited or more expensive.
On the Alandi route, two of the 16 scheduled bus trips will be suspended, Vijaykumar Madge, deputy chief manager of the Narveer Tanajiwadi depot, told Sakal. Ashok Sable, depot manager at Sadgurunagar, said one bus would be reduced temporarily on routes serving Pimpri village, Rajgurunagar, Alandi and Mukai Chowk. Two of the 16 bus trips on the Hinjewadi information technology area route will also be suspended.
PMPML’s order states that full-capacity services should resume from Wednesday, November 11, with buses deployed on the morning and afternoon shifts. The instructions also require depot heads to make sure that trips are not suspended in a sequence that leaves any route without regular service.
The temporary cuts come during a period when passengers often depend on buses to reach major markets in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad for Diwali shopping. Bus travel is also considered a more affordable option for longer journeys to locations such as Rajgurunagar. A passenger quoted in the report said that reducing trips could allow private passenger-vehicle operators to raise fares, increasing the financial burden on commuters.
PMPML has advised passengers to check the revised timetable before travelling during the four-day period. The transport undertaking’s stated plan is to restore full morning and afternoon operations from November 11.
