100 PMPML buses break down in two days

'Short trips put pressure on different parts of a bus'

On November 25, 48 Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) buses broke down while ferrying commuters. On November 26, this number was 63. Since last December, Newsline has been regularly highlighting this problem. But the PMPML administration, which has been struggling to set things right, has not been able to do much instead of just offering excuses for the problem.

In March and April, 2012, as many as 9,645 buses developed snags on their daily routes. In December, 2011, January, 2012 and February, 2012, collectively 13,000 buses broke down. Now, the PMPML has been fighting shy of providing figures break down in the last six months .

PMPML chief engineer Sunil Burse said in the last two days buses broke down due to flat tyres and mechanical faults. "These are two major reasons for frequent break down of buses... The problem of tyre punctures is not in our hand as it can happen to any vehicle at anytime, but we are aware about the mechanical failures," he said.

Burse said since the buses operate for short distances, such breakdowns are bound to occur. "Blame it on city traffic. Buses operate for short distances because of frequent traffic jams and bus stops at short distances. As this kind of operation puts heavy pressure on the bus, its parts are strained and develop problems," he said.

Burse said availability of spare parts is their priority, but due to various problems this demand is not met. "The PMPML also has to look after its financial position. Besides, there are at least four departments involved in ensuring availability of spare parts. Therefore, the entire process takes time which means our demand for availability of spare parts on time is not fulfilled, especially during preventive maintenance," he said.

... contd.

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