Pune: Around 80 PMPML Electric Bus Drivers Halt Work Demanding Higher Pay

Nigdi, 22nd August 2025: About 80 contract drivers of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) stationed at the Annabhau Sathe Bus Terminal in Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, Nigdi, went on strike on Friday morning. The drivers stopped work after their contractors declined to meet their demand for higher wages.

Wage Dispute with Travel Time Company
The affected drivers are employed by Travel Time, one of several private companies operating PMPML’s electric bus fleet, which includes 490 buses citywide. Drivers currently receive ₹650 per day for an eight-hour shift but have demanded a minimum monthly salary of ₹30,000. When the request was not met, the first shift drivers walked off the job.

Protesting driver Nitin Bhole explained, “We were told a salary increase was coming, but it was far below expectations. The contractors said, ‘work for this pay or leave.’ I cannot manage my expenses on this salary, so I stopped working. About 80 drivers were supposed to work this shift, and around 70 of us are here. There’s no conflict, just unmet demands.”

Drivers also highlighted the rising cost of living in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, calling for ₹1,000 per day and saying they would continue the strike until their demands are approved.

Another driver, Swapnil Devkar, added, “We earn ₹650 a day for what is supposed to be an eight-hour duty, but most days we work 9–10 hours with no overtime. We asked for equal pay for all drivers or at least an increase. Other contract drivers earn over ₹900 per day. We cannot survive on ₹650. Even if they agree to a hike, there is concern about future treatment. If they don’t agree, we won’t work.”

Impact on Passengers
The strike has affected commuters, with fewer electric buses running on city routes. Many passengers prefer these buses for being cleaner, air-conditioned, and more comfortable.

PMPML’s Response
Kishor Chavan, PMPML’s Public Relations Officer, said the administration has taken steps to maintain bus services despite the strike. “Currently, around 40 electric buses are affected. Out of 190 buses at the Nigdi depot, some drivers are still operating their routes, and we’ve arranged replacements, so 150 buses are running. We expect all buses to be back in service by afternoon. PMPML’s permanent drivers cannot operate these electric buses as they are bigger and different. This is a dispute between the drivers and contractors, which they will need to resolve,” he said.