Pune, June 3, 2025 — The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) implemented a significant fare hike on June 1, 2025, doubling the minimum ticket price from ₹5 to ₹10 and increasing daily and monthly pass costs. Despite operating fewer buses due to the weekend schedule, PMPML reported an additional income of ₹55 lakh on the first day under the revised fare structure, generating a total revenue of ₹1.97 crore.
The fare revision, the first in 12 years, has sparked strong reactions from daily commuters. Many residents, particularly daily wage workers and low-income individuals, expressed concerns over the increased financial burden. Commuters like Lata Jori, a domestic help from Bhugaon, and Sagar Dhande, a shop assistant from Kondhwa, highlighted the strain on their limited incomes due to the fare hike.
Citizen groups and former officials have also voiced concerns. Sanjay Shitole from the PMP Pravasi Manch criticized the fare increase amidst frequent bus breakdowns, which averaged 66 per day in May 2025, marking the worst performance in three years. Former corporator Ujjwal Keskar highlighted PMPML’s significant financial losses, totaling ₹706 crore in the last fiscal year and ₹3,863 crore over the past decade, questioning the justification behind the fare increase amid deteriorating services.
PMPML officials, however, maintain that the fare hike is necessary to strengthen the transport body’s financial standing and improve service delivery. Satish Gavhane, chief manager of the operations department, stated that the unexpected revenue increase is a positive development and that significant improvements will be made in PMPML’s services.
The fare adjustment has led to a political debate in Pune, with leaders from ruling and opposition parties clashing over the impact on commuters. While some view the hike as a lifeline for the financially struggling transport body, others see it as an undue burden on the public.
As PMPML navigates these challenges, the focus remains on balancing financial sustainability with the provision of reliable and affordable public transportation for Pune’s residents.
