NCP (Sharad Pawar) Stages Bullock Cart Protest in Pune Against PMPML Fare Hike

Pune, 5th June 2025: In a dramatic show of dissent against the recent fare hike implemented by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) staged a unique protest in Pune. The demonstration, which took place outside the Pune Municipal Corporation’s new administrative building, featured party workers arriving on bullock carts, horse carriages, and horseback—symbolizing their frustration with the rising cost of public transportation.

The protest was held at the PMPML bus stop located near the administrative complex, where dozens of NCP activists gathered holding placards and raising slogans against the government. They claimed the fare hike was unjust and placed an undue financial burden on ordinary commuters, particularly students, daily wage earners, and low-income residents who rely heavily on public buses for their daily travel.

Speaking during the protest, NCP Pune City President Prashant Jagtap criticized the decision, calling it “an assault on the common citizen.” “This fare hike is equivalent to pushing Pune residents into a ditch. The same voters who supported the ruling alliance in the recent Lok Sabha elections are now being betrayed by the government,” Jagtap said.

He further explained the symbolism of the protest, stating, “Pune was once known as the city of horse-drawn carriages. With these fare hikes, it feels like we are going back in time, where citizens will be forced to rely on bullock carts and horse carriages due to unaffordable bus travel. Our protest today represents that grim reality.”

Jagtap also alleged that the hike was implemented without adequate public consultation and failed to take into account the economic strain faced by citizens. The protest was peaceful but vocal, drawing attention from commuters and onlookers at the busy bus terminus.

In response to the criticism, PMPML officials have stated that the fare increase was necessary to boost revenue and improve service standards. They argue that operational costs have risen significantly, and the revised fare structure is aimed at sustaining the public transport system while enhancing commuter experience.

Despite the administration’s clarification, opposition to the fare hike is intensifying. The protest marks one of the first major public responses since the fares were revised.