PUNE: Sudden heavy showers that lashed the city on Thursday exposed serious gaps in preparedness at Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML), with nearly 100 buses breaking down and disrupting services across multiple routes.
Official data showed that 97 buses broke down in a single day, sparking concerns about the transport body’s readiness ahead of the monsoon. By comparison, during heavy rains in July 2024, PMPML had reported 108 and 124 breakdowns on two separate days.
Officials admitted the sudden intensity of rainfall caught them off guard. “The rains came unexpectedly, and we were not prepared for such intensity. Maintenance efforts had been focused more on summer conditions,” an official said.
Commuters faced significant hardship as buses stalled mid-route amid poor visibility and waterlogged streets. Ashish Palkhe, travelling towards Wanowrie, recounted being stranded inside a bus for nearly two hours near Camp. “The bus suddenly stopped in heavy rain. Visibility was extremely low, and we didn’t even know where we were. Stepping out wasn’t an option,” he said. After the rain eased, he still needed 45 minutes to find an autorickshaw due to severe traffic congestion.
Another commuter reported seeing multiple stalled buses along Tilak Road, highlighting widespread disruption. “Waterlogging was severe. While driving in such conditions is tough, such a high number of breakdowns raises questions about maintenance,” the commuter said.
Authorities attributed the failures to water entering electrical systems, poor road conditions leading to tyre punctures, and extensive waterlogging. However, transport activists rejected these explanations.
Sanjay Shitole of PMP Pravasi Manch criticised the recurring issue, saying, “We see similar breakdown numbers almost every month. This was just one day of rain. Instead of excuses, basic issues need to be fixed.”
PMPML operates a fleet of around 2,000 buses, and frequent breakdowns have long been a concern. Despite repeated assurances, the problem persists, raising doubts about long-term maintenance and preparedness as the monsoon season approaches.
