A Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus got stuck in a massive pothole near the Warje Malwadi bus stop early this morning, leaving commuters stranded and reigniting public anger over the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) shoddy roadwork, especially during the monsoon season.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. when a PMPML bus (MH12-XX-1234) was passing near the Warje Malwadi stop. Due to ongoing road digging work and lack of proper safety measures, the bus’s front wheels plunged into a deep, rain-soaked pothole. Passengers were left in a state of panic as the bus tilted dangerously, but thanks to the driver’s quick response, everyone was safely evacuated. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
This accident is not an isolated event. Pune’s roads, already notorious for their poor condition, become even more hazardous during the monsoon. The PMC’s decision to allow road digging during peak rains, without adequate barricading or warning signs, has led to several such incidents. Residents and commuters have repeatedly complained about the lack of safety measures no barricades, no warning boards, and poorly managed construction zones, especially at night.
Social media erupted with criticism, as Puneites shared photos and videos of the stranded bus, tagging civic officials and demanding urgent action. Many pointed out that this is not just about inconvenience but a serious threat to public safety.
The Warje Malwadi incident is part of a larger pattern. In just the last two days, 150 PMPML buses broke down across Pune, with officials blaming heavy rains and the resulting poor road conditions. Potholes, waterlogging, and shoddy repairs have led to a record number of breakdowns, causing massive delays and frustration among daily commuters.
A PMPML official admitted, “Water entered the electrical circuits of many buses, while others faced punctured tyres. Vehicles operated by private contractors witnessed far more faults than those owned by PMPML. We are talking to contractors and directing them to do all maintenance required for buses to operate without problems”.
The Bombay High Court recently slammed the PMC for its persistent failure to maintain Pune’s roads, noting that poor road quality violates citizens’ fundamental rights to safety and mobility. Despite multiple court interventions and expert recommendations, PMC’s approach remains patchwork and reactive, with little focus on long-term solutions.
Activists and citizens’ groups have demanded accountability, pointing out that repeated incidents like the Warje Malwadi bus mishap are a direct result of PMC’s disregard for public safety and expert advice.