Pune: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is experiencing a troubling increase in bus accidents, leading to several fatalities and injuries.
From January to June this year, 34 accidents have been reported, resulting in 11 deaths and multiple serious injuries. A significant number of these incidents involve contractor-operated buses.
PMPML provides bus services across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and surrounding rural areas, facilitating convenient transportation for passengers on various routes. However, these buses are frequently involved in both minor and major accidents. According to the administration, narrow roads, traffic congestion, roadside parking, and traffic rule violations contribute to these incidents.
Additionally, the lack of experience in navigating crowded areas, loss of control over the vehicle, and failure to adhere to traffic rules by PMPML bus drivers are cited as contributing factors. Sudden stops by other vehicles in front of the bus and unexpected entries of private vehicles into Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes further cause confusion for bus drivers, often leading to accidents.
Accidents often cause significant delays for passengers, as buses are halted and crowds gather. Police and PMPML officials intervene to resolve the situation, but this leads to prolonged waiting times for passengers.
Higher Accident Rates Among Contractor Buses
Contractor-operated buses have a higher rate of accidents. In the past six months, out of the 34 accidents, PMPML-owned buses were involved in 9 incidents, while contractor buses accounted for 25. This has led to demands for better training for drivers of contractor-operated buses.
Fatalities and Injuries
The 34 accidents over the past six months have resulted in 11 fatalities, 13 serious injuries, and 10 minor injuries. Satish Ghate, PMPML Public Relations Officer, stated: "Drivers receive regular training on safe driving and passenger care. Emphasis is also placed on the maintenance and repair of buses."
Monthly Accident Breakdown
January: 10 accidents
February: 3 accidents
March: 4 accidents
April: 7 accidents
May: 7 accidents
June: 3 accidents
Total: 34 accidents