PMPML Initiates Request to PMRDA for Nine New Depots Amidst Revenue Challenges
Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is embarking on a strategic initiative to optimize its operations and mitigate revenue losses by seeking approval for nine new depots from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). With existing depots primarily situated within the city limits, the PMPML faces operational inefficiencies, necessitating the establishment of depots on the outskirts to streamline bus services.
Currently, the PMPML operates numerous buses ferrying commuters from suburban areas to Pune for work. However, the logistical challenge arises from the need to dispatch empty buses in the morning to pick up passengers and return them at night, resulting in financial losses. In response, the PMPML has identified four priority areas—Wakad, Ravat, Moshi, and Bhosari—for depot construction, leveraging land reserved by the PMRDA in its Development Plan.
A senior official of the PMPML emphasized the need for new depots on the outskirts to optimize bus routes and reduce empty runs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and revenue generation. Each depot requires a minimum of five acres of land, underscoring the significance of securing suitable space for the proposed facilities.
Despite operating 490 buses on 113 routes within the PMRDA limits, the PMPML faces financial constraints, with pending payments from the PMRDA for services rendered in the previous year. Additionally, the PMPML utilizes PMRDA spaces for parking and depots, incurring significant costs for lease agreements.
The PMPML’s initiative to expand its depot infrastructure reflects a proactive approach to address operational challenges and enhance service delivery for commuters. By collaborating with the PMRDA to secure land for new depots, the PMPML aims to optimize resources, improve route efficiency, and ultimately, provide a seamless transportation experience for residents across Pune and its suburban areas.
