On several occasions, videos of PMPML drivers driving recklessly, jumping signals, or talking on their phones while driving have gone viral on social media, prompting Punekars to demand strict action against these drivers.
Now, in a document accessed by The Free Press Journal, it has come to light that the transport body received a whopping 680 challans from January 2024 to September 2024, amounting to over ₹8 lakh for traffic violations.
Among the eleven depots listed by the transport body, the Wagholi Depot stood out with the highest fine amount of ₹1,40,750 from 115 challans, followed closely by Bhekrai Nagar Depot, which accumulated ₹1,31,250 from 99 challans. The Pune Station Depot, with 55 receipts, has a total fine of ₹61,000, while the Nanded Depot has the lowest figures with 29 receipts and a fine amount of ₹29,200.
Earlier trends
Overall, the combined fines of these depots resulted in a total of 680 receipts and a fine of ₹8,05,550 against them.
In the 2022-23 financial year, 723 drivers received e-challans for traffic violations. This number rose significantly to 1,002 during the 2023-24 period, up until March.
Officials from PMPML have indicated that both the Pune traffic police and the transport agency are implementing measures to tackle these violations. However, many passengers feel that the impact of these efforts has been minimal.
PMPML blames it on contractual drivers
Nitin Narvekar, Joint MD of PMPML, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, "We have instructed the drivers to follow the rules and fined them for breaking traffic norms. We also release circulars regarding the matter. Mostly contract-based drivers do not follow the rules at signals. We cannot take action against them, but we have warned them that if they do not follow the traffic norms, the fined amount will be deducted from their salary."
Anand Shalunke, a commuter, speaking to FPJ, said, "PMPML drivers drive the buses very recklessly. Breaking traffic norms is common for them. Previously, we have seen many accidents that took place due to negligence and reckless driving skills by the drivers. Who is responsible for that? If common citizens do not follow the rules, they are forced to pay a fine. PMPML should take fines from the bus drivers. It is not the responsibility of PMPML. The fine amount should be taken from the drivers' pockets."
Amar Bobade, a passenger, expressed, "Most of the PMPML drivers do not follow the traffic lane, especially the electric buses. They are almost silent, and they speed up quickly. It is very risky. The electric bus drivers drive very fast, which could lead to major accidents on the road. It is not just a matter of one life; many passengers travel. Buses are parked anywhere on the road. PMPML and the traffic police should take appropriate actions and provide guidelines to them."
Sunil Gavli, Senior Police Inspector, Traffic Yerwada Division, told FPJ, "We have fined them, and the amount is approximately in crores, but it has not been paid yet."
