A day after one Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) driver was suspended for watching an IPL match, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has stated that their drivers and conductors could face suspension for using mobile phones and consuming tobacco and pan masala while driving.
This comes amidst the suspension of an MSRTC driver following a complaint by Punekar on X and a viral video in which a driver and conductor of a PMPML bus engaged in a freestyle brawl with a biker in the Loni Area on Sunday.
Even in the past, the PMPML has issued strict directives prohibiting its drivers and conductors from using mobile phones, wearing headphones, or consuming tobacco and pan masala while on duty. Violation of these rules will result in a two-month suspension, the transport authority had added in its earlier circular.
Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director of PMPML, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, "Strict instructions have been given to the PMPML drivers to not use mobile phones while driving. Even putting on headphones or wireless headphones is not allowed. Additionally, eating pan masala and tobacco is also prohibited. If anyone is found breaking the rules, a letter of two-month suspension will be given to them."
Warning for drivers
Currently, PMPML has 9,400 driver staff, including 4,400 drivers based on a contract basis. These drivers regularly come under the scanner for rash driving, road rage cases, traffic violations, or buses not having route boards or putting up wrong route boards. Time and again, PMPML has been warning its drivers against violating traffic rules after a plethora of complaints from commuters and activists.
Additionally, the public transport body keeps receiving complaints from citizens, social organizations, and public representatives regarding the rude behavior of drivers and conductors.
Earlier, to resolve the complaints received from the public regarding the misbehavior of the driver-conductors and other staff employees, PMPML, through an official circular, instructed the drivers and conductors not to use mobile phones while plying the bus, to follow traffic rules properly, not to smoke, park buses near the bus stop, follow lane discipline, and not operate buses at high speed.
Traffic violations
Notably, in 2024, Pune traffic police fined 877 drivers of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses a total of ₹10 lakh for violating traffic rules.
Thus, PMPML has requested passengers to send photos/videos of complaints about drivers or conductors, along with bus number, route number, place, date, and time to PMPML’s email at complaints@pmpml.org, WhatsApp number 9881495589, or submit the complaints with proof at the nearest depot of PMPML.
"We request the passengers to send photos and videos of such activities to the particular number +91 9881495589. We will take action against the violators," added Narvekar.
