Pune’s commuters continue to endure the scorching heat and unseasonal rains as the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) struggles to fulfil its ambitious promise of installing 300 stainless steel bus shelters by March 2025.
Despite assurances, only 100 shelters have been completed, leaving thousands of daily passengers without basic comfort while waiting for buses. The project, initially launched with the aim of enhancing commuter experience, has faced multiple delays. According to senior officials from PMPML, the delay was due to financial constraints faced by the contracting company responsible for the shelters. While the company has reportedly resolved its issues, the project’s pace remains sluggish, with no immediate relief in sight for the city’s beleaguered commuters. “The work was indeed delayed due to financial challenges encountered by the company,” admitted a senior transport official. “However, the company is now back on track, and we expect construction to resume shortly.” Another official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the second phase of the project—covering an additional 200 shelters—has also been postponed. The tender process has been finalised, and the work is expected to commence within the next two months. “Although the upcoming summer will pose challenges, the situation should improve during the monsoon season,” the official added.
The project was first announced in early 2023, but construction only began in August 2024. In the interim, the number of bus shelters in Pune remains significantly low. Out of approximately 9,000 bus stops across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) areas, only around 1,075 have shelters. Of these, 865 are stainless steel structures, while 100 are basic asbestos-roofed shelters, supplemented by 110 Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) shelters. Commuters have expressed their frustration over the delays, highlighting the gap between government promises and ground reality. “It’s disheartening to see such a lack of basic infrastructure,” said a local professional. “With temperatures soaring and buses frequently delayed, standing in the heat is both exhausting and unsafe. It makes one question the priorities of the authorities.” Another commuter echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that despite continuous assurances from PMPML officials, the ground reality remains unchanged. “There’s a clear disconnect between the promises made and the services delivered. This isn’t just about bus shelters; it’s about the broader issue of how public transport is managed in the city,” the commuter said.
The delay also raises questions about the city’s urban planning and governance, particularly in terms of accountability and efficiency in public service delivery. Experts argue that consistent oversight and proactive measures are essential for addressing such issues, especially in rapidly growing cities like Pune, where public transport plays a crucial role in daily life. Moreover, the lack of proper bus shelters affects not only commuter comfort but also the city’s environmental goals. Sustainable urban planning emphasises the need for well-designed, eco-friendly infrastructure that reduces carbon footprints. Bus shelters, when designed with sustainable materials and practices, can contribute to creating greener urban spaces.
The current situation underscores the need for a more robust framework for monitoring public infrastructure projects. Transparency in procurement processes, timely execution, and regular progress reports are critical for ensuring that commitments translate into tangible outcomes. While PMPML officials have assured that work will resume soon, the delays serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in urban governance. As the city grapples with rising temperatures and increasing commuter demands, the urgency for efficient, sustainable, and accountable public transport infrastructure has never been greater.
PMPML Delays Bus Shelter Project Amid Rising Temperatures
