Pune: PMPML Contract Bus Conductor Threatens Ticket Checker During Inspection, Suspended

Pune, 29th August 2026: A conductor employed on a contract bus operated by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMP) allegedly threatened to assault a ticket checker after being questioned over irregularities during a routine inspection.

The incident took place on a bus from Nigdi depot plying towards Vadgaon Maval. After checking passengers’ tickets, inspectors conducted a check of the driver and conductor. When the ticket checker questioned the conductor over discrepancies, the latter allegedly became aggressive, made a phone call and summoned a group of young men to the spot. He then threatened the checker with assault.

The incident was captured on video, which later circulated on social media.

Following the video going viral, PMPML suspended the conductor. The incident has once again raised concerns over the corporation’s ability to exercise direct control over its growing contract workforce.

PMPML operates more than 1,200 buses, with a substantial portion run through private contractors. Contractors currently provide drivers and conductors for around 400 buses, while another 500 contract employees are expected to join in the coming months.

As these employees are not directly employed by PMPML, the corporation has limited disciplinary powers and can only direct the concerned contractor to take action against them.

Contract staff have previously been found allegedly overcharging passengers, failing to issue tickets and being involved in cash-related irregularities during night inspections. Drivers operating contract buses have also faced complaints and action for signal violations, aggressive behaviour with passengers, improper halts, rash driving and accidents.

With the number of contract personnel expected to rise, the latest incident has renewed questions over monitoring, accountability and disciplinary mechanisms for outsourced bus operations.