Pune: The ongoing Ganesh festival has seen a surge in the number of citizens relying on PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) buses for their daily commute.

However, the deteriorating condition of many of these buses has become a major concern, as frequent breakdowns are causing significant disruptions on city roads. These incidents not only inconvenience the passengers but also contribute to severe traffic congestion, affecting all motorists.

Reports indicate that several PMPML buses have been breaking down unexpectedly, often in the middle of busy roads. This has forced passengers to disembark and find alternative transport, primarily through private vehicles, which not only causes delays but also adds to the stress of commuting during peak hours.

The frequency of such breakdowns has notably increased over the past few days, particularly during the festive period when public transport is heavily utilized.

The breakdowns of PMPML buses create substantial blockages on the roads, as the stranded buses occupy large portions of the roadway, leaving minimal space for other vehicles to pass.

This often results in traffic moving at a snail’s pace, leading to extended traffic jams. In some cases, the congestion spills over to adjoining highways, causing long queues of vehicles that stretch for significant distances.

Citizens have expressed frustration over these recurring issues, with many calling on PMPML to take immediate action. There are growing demands for the immediate repair of old buses or the introduction of new buses to the fleet.

Commuters argue that during festive seasons, when the volume of public transport users is high, such disruptions should be minimized to avoid chaos.

In response to the rising complaints, PMPML authorities have acknowledged the problem and stated that they are working on measures to address the issue.

However, the lack of a prompt and visible solution continues to agitate citizens who rely on these services for their daily transportation needs.