Pune: Half-Day Salary Cut for PMPML Engineers, Drivers if Self-Owned Buses Break Down; Union Protests Contractor Exemption
Pune, 10th August 2025: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMP) has announced that maintenance engineers and drivers will face a half-day salary deduction if self-owned buses break down while in service. The directive, issued by PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj Deore, applies only to PMPML’s own fleet, not contractor-operated buses — a move that has triggered opposition from employee unions.
PMPML currently operates 1,983 buses, comprising 964 self-owned and 1,019 contractor buses. Of these, 737 self-owned buses are undergoing repairs at various depots. According to PMPML, frequent route cancellations due to technical faults, sudden shutdowns, and breakdowns are affecting revenue and passenger service quality.
Under the new order, divisional maintenance engineers must verify that all repairs are completed before a bus is dispatched, and drivers must check the vehicle before starting the route. If a bus breaks down mid-service, the concerned engineer and driver will each lose half a day’s salary. The measure is intended to reduce breakdown incidents and improve reliability.
However, since the rule excludes contractor-operated buses, the PMPML Nationalist Maharashtra General Workers’ Union has raised objections. “The breakdown of a bus is a technical matter. Even after repairs, a vehicle can fail. As per rules, a preliminary inquiry should be conducted before action is taken. This decision gives immunity to contractor drivers and is discriminatory,” said Sunil Nalawade, General Secretary of the union.
