Increase in bus depots can curb bus thefts: PMPML

The 10 bus depots available with PMPML,along with two central maintenance workshops at Nigdi and Swarget,can house only 836 buses against the total strength of 1,627. So,nearly half the buses have to be parked outside the bus depots. A PMPML officer said buses parked outside the depots are vulnerable to thefts and also to other damages caused especially during the agitations.

The theft has also high lighted the security lapse at PMPML depots and terminus. Sources said security guards do not keep a watch on buses parked outside the depots.

In May this year,five students were arrested for allegedly stealing an unlocked bus,parked in Kothrud bus depot,for taking a joy ride. Days ago an unidentified person stole a PMPML bus that was parked near the Hadapsar bus terminus on October 5. The bus was later found at Somatne Phata on the old Mumbai – Pune highway on October 6.

PMPML currently has 10 bus depots including seven in Pune city and three in Pimpri Chinchwad. “PMPML has identified land for setting up new bus depots and proposals in this regard have been sent to the government,” a PMPML officer said.

Meanwhile,PMPML spokesperson Deepak Pardeshi said,“We suspect the role of someone from PMPML.” Meanwhile,the Hadapsar police had not identified the suspects till reports last came in.