Pune: PMPML Bus Catches Fire Near Kalewadi Phata
Kalewadi, 16th November 2025: Pimpri-Chinchwad witnessed its second PMPML bus fire within a 12-hour window on Sunday, raising fresh concerns about the upkeep and safety of the city’s public transport fleet. The latest incident took place around 6 pm near Kalewadi Phata.
According to eyewitnesses, a PMPML bus heading from Pune towards Dange Chowk suddenly went up in flames while it was on the move. Smoke and fire were first spotted near the engine section, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle immediately. Preliminary observations indicate that an electrical fault may have sparked the blaze.
No passengers were hurt, but the back-to-back fire incidents have led to renewed anxiety among daily commuters who rely heavily on PMPML services. Questions are being raised about the condition of ageing buses, the frequency of mechanical inspections, and the overall maintenance standards followed by the transport utility.
Earlier in the day, around 11:45 am, another PMPML bus caught fire near Kamgar Bhavan, close to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk, while travelling from Pimpri to Bhosari. The driver noticed smoke soon after the bus crossed the PCMC headquarters. He quickly halted the vehicle, alerted the passengers, and ensured all 15 commuters disembarked before the situation escalated.
In both cases, fire brigade units from the PCMC reached the spot promptly and managed to douse the flames. However, the buses suffered significant damage, intensifying calls for an urgent review of the fleet’s safety and maintenance protocols.
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