Pune: Facing a growing financial deficit, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is set to introduce key operational changes, including a potential fare hike, a reduction in travel stages, and a shift towards contract-based employment. The administration has maintained confidentiality regarding the fare revision, anticipating opposition from passengers and unions.

With operational losses reaching ₹766 crore, the PMPML administration is preparing a proposal for a fare hike, which will be discussed in the upcoming board meeting. While the move may face resistance, the administration believes it is necessary, as ticket prices have remained unchanged for the past eight years.

Cost-Cutting Through Contract-Based Hiring

Currently, PMPML employs around 8,500 staff members, incurring a monthly salary expenditure of ₹48 crore. To curb costs, the administration has decided to halt new permanent recruitments. Instead, as new buses are introduced in the coming months, drivers and conductors will be hired on a contractual basis. This decision is aimed at reducing the organization’s financial burden while ensuring smooth operations.

Restructuring the Ticketing System

In an effort to streamline ticket pricing and integrate it with Pune Metro, PMPML plans to reduce the number of travel stages:

• The existing system consists of 42 stages, each covering 2 km.

• The new structure will have only 11 stages.

• PMPML claims this revision will benefit passengers.

• The simplified stage system will make it easier to integrate ticketing with metro services.

"We are actively working on reducing losses by reviewing ticket fares and optimizing operational efficiency. The key measures include reducing the number of travel stages and hiring staff on a contract basis. These steps will help in increasing revenue while controlling expenses," said Deepa Mudhol Munde, Chairperson & Managing Director, PMPML.