Pune: PMPML Demands Increased Police Patrolling at Key Bus Stands and Routes for Passenger Safety
Pune, 29th May 2025: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has issued a strong directive to Pune Police to step up patrols at major bus stations and crowded bus routes in order to enhance passenger safety. The move comes in response to rising incidents of theft, indecent behavior, and vandalism at bus stations, which have particularly affected women and students traveling on PMPML services.
Currently, PMPML operates 20,112 daily trips across 381 bus routes, serving over 10 to 11 lakh commuters in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) areas. However, the transport body has noted an increase in complaints regarding pickpocketing, harassment of women, and the defacing of bus stops with obscene posters and drawings. These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear among passengers, especially women and students, prompting PMPML to formally request the Pune City Police Commissioner to intensify patrolling during morning and evening hours.
In its guidelines, PMPML has specifically identified key bus stands for enhanced security, including Swargate, Deccan, Dandekar Bridge, Katraj, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, Bajirao Road, Shivaji Road, Shastri Road, Ganpati Matha, PMC Building, Pune Railway Station, Hadapsar, Wagholi, Pimpri Chowk, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and Bhosari. Additionally, 28 major bus routes, such as Swargate to Shivajinagar, Katraj to Lohgaon, Swargate to Alandi, Katraj to Nigdi, Bhakti Shakti Nagar to NDA, Wagholi to Warje, and Hadapsar to Katraj via Kondhwa, have been earmarked for increased police presence.
The Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML Deepa Mudhol Munde have emphasized the importance of passenger safety and directed police to ensure strict implementation of patrolling measures. The initiative is expected to be rolled out soon, aiming to restore public confidence and curb criminal activities on public transport.
