PMPML to implement a mandatory pre-departure bus checklist system inspired by aviation to reduce frequent breakdowns.
Drivers and mechanical staff will be held accountable for vehicle condition, with penalties for failures after inspection.
The checklist includes 11 key components like brakes, engine, fuel, GPS, CCTV, and lights, aiming to ensure reliable bus service in Pune.
Pune, 2nd August 2025: In a significant move to improve public transport reliability, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is set to introduce a pre-departure checklist for all buses, similar to what is followed in aviation. This step is aimed at reducing the increasing number of bus breakdowns that have plagued the city’s public transport system over the years.
PMPML buses will now undergo thorough inspections before leaving the depot. Drivers and mechanical staff will be required to check essential components of the bus and sign off on a checklist confirming everything is in working condition.
If a bus breaks down despite the checklist being completed, half-day pay cuts will be enforced on both the driver and the mechanic responsible. PMPML officials believe this new accountability will bring down the breakdown rate significantly.
This checklist will include around 11 essential checks, such as brake condition, fuel level, engine health, door operation, CCTV cameras, GPS system, display boards, wipers, and lights. PMPML’s leadership says the system mirrors that of aircraft safety checks and is designed to ensure buses are fit for service before hitting the road.
Breakdowns not only inconvenience passengers but also tarnish PMPML’s public image. By making pre-departure inspections mandatory, the administration hopes to improve punctuality and commuter confidence. A monitoring system is also being developed to display live updates about breakdowns on office screens for quicker responses.
PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj Deore confirmed the move, stating that official orders will be issued soon and the policy will be strictly enforced across all depots in Pune.