Pune commuters are facing fresh challenges as over 150 buses of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) remain off road due to a persistent shortage of essential spare parts. The disruption has not only inconvenienced daily passengers but has also impacted the operational revenue of the public transport utility, which operates a fleet of 2,050 buses, including 765 owned by PMPML and 1,285 run through private contractors.
Officials reveal that delays in the tendering process for procurement of critical spare parts have hindered timely servicing and repair of the buses. While the administration asserts that steps are being taken to expedite procurement, commuters continue to experience longer wait times and overcrowding, particularly on peak-hour routes. “This shortage has strained our daily operations and affected the reliability of public transport in Pune,” said an official, requesting anonymity. Experts note that such disruptions underscore the vulnerability of urban transport networks to supply chain bottlenecks and the need for proactive infrastructure planning to maintain operational resilience.
The bus shortage highlights broader concerns about sustainable and reliable public transport in India’s fast-growing cities. As traffic congestion and carbon emissions continue to escalate, public transport systems like PMPML play a critical role in promoting low-carbon mobility. However, systemic delays in procurement and maintenance can undermine these objectives, forcing commuters to rely on private vehicles and contributing to environmental stress. Urban transport analysts argue that the crisis presents an opportunity for PMPML to modernise its supply chain, introduce predictive maintenance systems, and strengthen partnerships with suppliers to avoid similar shortages in the future. Furthermore, ensuring the availability of a fully functional fleet is essential for promoting gender-neutral, equitable, and safe commuting options for all residents, particularly women, senior citizens, and students who rely heavily on buses.
The impact of the shortage is visible across the city, with buses either running at reduced frequency or being withdrawn from certain routes entirely. In addition to commuter inconvenience, the disruption has financial implications, with the authority facing losses in ticket revenue and rising operational costs due to the concentration of repair backlogs. Officials emphasise that resolving the spare parts shortage remains a priority, and efforts are underway to streamline tender approvals, enhance inventory management, and implement robust maintenance schedules. While these measures are expected to restore normalcy in the coming weeks, experts caution that a long-term strategy is necessary to ensure that urban transport in Pune remains reliable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.
Also Read: Mumbai Metro 3 Final Stretch From Worli To Cuffe Parade To Open On October 8
