The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is all set to install panic buttons in all its buses by May this year.
The transport body had first announced its plan to install panic buttons in its buses in 2018. However, the plan was put on a back burner. In December 2024, the authorities claimed that it had revived the project, adding that it would be implemented by March 2025. However, now with March arriving, the PMPML has further extended the deadline to May.
Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML, said work on the project was yet to begin. "We plan to implement it by May," he added.
Every day, nearly 12 lakh people travel in the PMPML buses, and a large section of them are women.
The Swargate bus depot rape case has once again brought the safety and security of women in focus. "The PMPML needs to urgently install the panic buttons and also the CCTV cameras, which were promised to be done by the end of February," say residents.
Meanwhile, speaking to The Free Press Journal recently, Narvekar said new buses will be added to the existing PMPML fleet.
"We are planning to add 1,600 to 1,700 new buses to the PMPML fleet. Some of these buses will be leased while others will be self-owned," he said. "We have also planned to scrap 350 buses due to the completion of their tenure. However, we have planned to purchase new buses so that passengers will not face any inconvenience," he added.
