Pune: In Maharashtra government's Mission Begin Again', offices, industries and many businesses have started operating in Pune but the lifeline of the city is still in its depot. Now, Punekars are demanding to restart the PMPML bus services.

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), which has stopped plying public transport buses from over four months has not recommenced yet. The administration has started the buses in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) jurisdiction on limited routes. The buses plying in the city are only allowed for those working in the essential sector. However, people who are working in the non-essential sector are demanding to resume the PMPML service in the city.

Though the district administration has approved for PMPML bus services to start plying from railway stations and the airport to ferry passengers, many in the city are demanding the authorities to restart bus services in the city.

Shobha Rasal (61), a resident of Hadapsar said, "PMPML services must start it facility as soon as possible as in this financial crisis amid the lockdown, the private vehicles and auto-rickshaw are charging hefty amount. We cannot afford private services. Also, it is a risk to travel in private vehicles, as we do not know from where they travel and if they practice hygiene."

Lalita Pinnam (38) a resident of Camp said, "The government services must start as we are facing a lot of difficulties. I cannot ride a vehicle and I need to travel to Gultekdi and Market Yard. The PMPML bus services should at least run on an alternative basis."

Himanshu Rokade (22), a student said, "Now as the fuel prices are touching the sky, the city bus is the best way to commute. But as they are not plying, it is very difficult to travel. Also, PMPML is the lifeline of Pune, just like the way the local trains are for Mumbai."