Is PMPML Fare Hike a Lifeline or Burden? Pune Politicians Disagree

Pune, 2nd June 2025: A political war of words erupted in Pune on Sunday over the recent passenger fare hike by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd. (PMPML). The clash between leaders from ruling and opposition parties unfolded during a seminar organized by the PMP Pravasi Mancha, run by the Sajag Nagarik Mancha, on the topic “PMPML Fare Hike: Lifeline or Burden for Commuters?”

The event was attended by Prashant Jagtap, leader from NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Siddharth Dhende, former deputy mayor, Sanjay Balgude, state secretary of the Congress Pune unit, Sandeep Khardekar, BJP spokesperson, as well as commuter rights activists Sanjay Shitole, Jugal Rathi, and Sajag Nagarik Mancha president Vivek Velankar.

NCP leader Prashant Jagtap strongly opposed the fare hike, calling it “unfortunate” and “a robbery of the city,” especially since there are currently no public representatives on the PMPML board. He alleged that 75% of PMPML’s fleet is now leased through private contractors and that both drivers and conductors are also hired through contractors, raising concerns over a lack of transparency and accountability.

Responding to the criticism, BJP spokesperson Sandeep Khardekar defended the fare hike, stating that it was implemented according to the rules and necessitated by the financial realities of the transport body.

“PMPML carries 12 lakh passengers daily, despite the presence of 78 lakh private vehicles, along with rickshaws, Ola-Uber, and private cars. To cover the operational deficit, tough decisions have to be made. PMPML pays ₹320 crore in service tax annually, and the ₹620 crore deficit has not yet been reimbursed by the state government. Fuel costs have increased drastically — CNG has gone from ₹48 to ₹88 per kg. Salary expenses have also ballooned to ₹830 crore from ₹450 crore earlier,” he said.

Former deputy mayor Siddharth Dhende objected to the fare hike, stating that the relevant report justifying the increase was not made public beforehand. He demanded that the report be released immediately and called for increased transparency and efficiency in PMPML’s administration.

Congress leader Sanjay Balgude offered a nuanced view, acknowledging the challenges faced by PMPML but emphasized the need for alternative sources of income. He said, “A fare hike can only be justified if PMPML first improves operational planning, increases the number of dedicated bus lanes, streamlines salary management, and upgrades depots and valuation systems.”