PMPML stares at ₹3,863.1 cr operational loss
PUNE: At a time when the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Restricted (PMPML) has reported a cumulative operational lack of ₹3,863.1 crore over the past 10 years, its rising shift in the direction of privatised operations – by lowering the variety of self-owned buses and relying closely upon contractor-run providers – regardless of the receipt of monetary assist from each the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal companies; has raised severe issues about service high quality and monetary transparency.
At present, the PMPML operates round 2,000 buses, solely 800 of that are owned by the general public transport physique with the remaining 1,100 buses operated by non-public contractors beneath a lease mannequin. Round 70% of those buses are energetic on varied routes whereas the remaining are reportedly stationed at depots beneath the guise of upkeep and repairs. This has led to extreme inconvenience for each day commuters, a lot of whom are compelled to attend lengthy hours at bus stops as a consequence of irregular providers and decreased frequency.
Ujwal Keskar, former Pune Municipal Company (PMC) home chief and founding father of the organisation, Apala Parisar, has voiced robust opposition to PMPML’s rising reliance on contractors, elevating quite a few questions concerning the transparency and effectivity of this mannequin. In a letter addressed to the PMPML board of administrators, Keskar has demanded an pressing assembly to handle these points and consider the functioning of the transport physique.
Keskar has criticised the PMPML’s lack of planning, mentioning that regardless of fixed complaints of delayed and inadequate providers, no clear technique appears to be in place to enhance operations. “With buses mendacity idle at depots and passenger footfalls rising, commuters are bearing the brunt of this disorganised system,” stated Keskar.
A significant level raised by Keskar is the plan to induct 400 new electrical buses (e-buses), additionally on a contract foundation. Whereas present electrical buses (e-buses) function at a charge of ₹58 per kilometre, the brand new contract will hike the identical to ₹84 per kilometre. Furthermore, each drivers and conductors for these buses might be employed by contractors, which raises issues about income accountability. Keskar has questioned whether or not the PMPML has any mechanism to observe and make sure that the income generated per journey really reaches the transport physique.
One other level raised by Keskar is the dearth of direct management over drivers and fare assortment which renders claims of full earnings from contracted operations going to the organisation questionable. The letter urges the PMPML administration not solely to evaluation the contractor-based mannequin but in addition to handle service gaps instantly. “PMPML is supposed to be a public service organisation and never a profit-generating platform for contractors,” Keskar stated, whereas urgent for a clear dialogue and restructuring of the present operational technique.
In the meantime, a senior PMPML official stated on situation of anonymity: “Whereas the operational deficit is a problem, our focus stays on guaranteeing environment friendly and inexpensive transport for residents. The contractor mannequin permits us to broaden providers sooner, and we’re repeatedly working to enhance transparency, monitoring, and repair high quality.”
