Pune: During the lockdown, the PMPML's daily income has gone up by Rs 1.48 crore and a total of Rs 226.44 crore are in losses, which has put PMPML's services in financial crisis. "Considering the critical situation, the Maharashtra state government should provide financial assistance to PMPML, which provides transport services to one crore people in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and urban areas, unlike the state," appeals the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Mayor Murlidhar Mohol and has demanded such request to Maharashtra state Government.
During the lockdown, PMPML was providing transportation services only to the essential service personnel. With passenger traffic closed for the past six months, revenue has come to a complete standstill. Also, due to the closure of buses during this period, no fare has been collected from the advertisers, which has caused a lot of controversy for PMPML, which has lost about Rs 1.5 crore per day.
Before the lockdown in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas, about 1500 to 1600 buses were running on the road on a daily bases. Despite the decision to start the bus service from September 3 in the unlock process, the public transport system is still not getting the desired response from the citizens. Since each bus has one passenger on each side, the buses run on the roads at half capacity. At present, only 450 buses are plying on the roads, earning only Rs 18 to 20 lakh.
Speaking to Sakal Times, PMC Mayor Mohol said in this regard, he has approached and requested the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar to help the PMPML out of the financial crisis, he said, "The PMPML usually has a staff of over 8,000 including carriers, drivers and other servants. PMC has recently paid Rs 110.15 crore in advance for their salary. Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation along with Pune is providing financial assistance to PMPML. However, COVID-19 has reduced the income of the municipal corporation, which has to spend a large number of funds for corona preventive measures."
