Infrastructure-strapped PMPML may be forced to outsource maintenance
Infrastructure-strapped PMPML may be forced to outsource maintenance
THE good news is that the city is finally about to get the new buses it sorely needs.
But theu00a0 issue now is that Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) still does not have the supporting infrastructure to maintain these buses. 
The PMPML lacks parking space and other supporting infrastructure to maintain the new buses expected this month.
The first lot of 150 new buses will be added to the PMPML fleet by the end of this month and reports suggest that the bus service has no option but to opt for outsourcing of maintenance.
Sunil Mali, PMPML Traffic Manager, confirmed that 150 buses would be included by December 25.
He said the additional vehicles would be used to increase the frequency of buses in suburban areas like Kothrud, Bund Garden, Yerawada and Aundh.
The remaining 350 buses are expected by the end of February.
Looking at the current PMPML infrastructure, itu00a0u00a0 seems parking and maintenance will be an issue with so many more buses coming in.
"We have a problem and we might have to outsource the maintenance and repair work. We will be floating a tender for the same," said Satish Kulkarni, Joint Managing Director, PMPML.
The funds to purchase the buses came from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
The PMPML decision to purchase 500 buses saw many controvrsies and delays.
Six months ago, there was a heated debate between Standing Committee Chairman Avinash Shinde and PMPML Committee Chairman and Chief Managing Director Dilip Band over door system the buses should have.
Shinde insisted that the bus doors should be on the left while Band wanted doors on both the sides of the bus.
The ensuing disagreement resulted in a delay in purchasing the buses.u00a0
Band said the differences had now been put to rest, with some buses having doors on either side and some on only the left side.
On outsourcing of services, he said, "We are yet to decide if maintenance should be outsourced.
At present we are trying to carry out these services from our own depots. Interviews to depute new drivers and conductors have also started."
PMPML fleet
Existing buses: 1,235 owned by PMPML
Buses on hire: 310 from private operators
JNNURM new buses: 500 coming in instalments
Total buses by Marchu00a0 2011: 2,045
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