Pune is witnessing a sharp rise in travel demand due to the summer holiday season, with nearly 40,000 additional passengers using state transport services daily. However, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRDC) has deployed only 40 extra buses, leading to overcrowding and long waiting times across the city.
Major bus terminals including Swargate Bus Stand, Wakdewadi Bus Stand, and Pune Railway Station Bus Stand are experiencing heavy congestion. Typically, around 160,000 passengers travel daily on 937 buses in the Pune division, but the seasonal surge has significantly strained the system.
Routes connecting Pune to cities like Mumbai, Kolhapur, Nashik, Satara, and Solapur have seen a noticeable spike in demand. While officials claim that buses have been increased on high-demand routes, commuters say the number is far from sufficient, resulting in inconvenience and frustration.
Passengers have also raised concerns about poor infrastructure at bus stations. At Swargate, the lack of adequate seating and poorly maintained benches has forced many travelers to wait outside the premises. The situation becomes more difficult for women, children, and elderly passengers trying to board buses amid chaotic crowds.
"Staff give vague answers at enquiry counters, and there are no clear announcements about bus timings or platforms. When a bus finally arrives, the crowd rush becomes overwhelming, making it very difficult, especially for women and elderly passengers," said a commuter.
"I have been waiting for two hours with my children to travel to my hometown. The authorities should have anticipated the holiday rush. Adding only a few extra buses despite rising passenger numbers is extremely frustrating," said another passenger.
An MSRTC official said, "We are planning bus operations based on passenger demand. All available buses are being deployed, and priority is being given to routes with higher crowd levels."
