Pune: Now, PMPML to hike fares

Pune: The PMPML’s deficit in 2023-24 increased up to Rs 496.44 crore as compared to 2016-17 due to increase in fuel and spare parts’ rates as well as salary hike for employees.

Since the financial burden is growing on both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic bodies, fare hike appears unavoidable. PMPML provides services through 1,700 buses to rural areas around the two cities also. Around 12 lakh passengers travel daily by city buses. The public transport body earned Rs 669 crore revenue through passenger transport and other services. It was a Rs 60 crore hike in comparison to 2022-23. However, PMPML’s total expenditure in 2023-24 was Rs 1,467 crore. The increase in expenditure was Rs 153 crore higher than 2022-23.

Since the expenditure is much higher than the revenue, the deficit has gone up to Rs 700 crore. The PMC and the PCMC provide subsidies to the transport body in the ratio of 60:40, respectively. Since a fare hike looks unavoidable, citizens in the district will have to shell out more for travel.

PMPML fares

The public transport body charges Rs 5 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 10 up to 3 km. The hike in these fares is likely to be Rs 5-7.

Fuel prices doubled

Petrol, diesel and CNG rates grew manifold after 2016. In July 2016, the rate per litre of diesel was Rs 60.49 and CNG was Rs 40 per kg. In January 2025, diesel is Rs 90.35 per litre and CNG is Rs 89 per kg.

Last hike in 2016

PMPML hiked bus fares last in 2016. Fares were increased up to Rs 5 for the first stage and Rs 10 for the second. Fuel, spare parts and salaries went up considerably in the past nine years. However, fares remained unchanged, adding to losses of the PMPML.

Rs 153 crore paid more due to the Seventh Pay Commission

PMPML has over 9,000 employees. In 2021, the then BoD approved implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for workers. It was implemented in two phases from December 2022. This increased the burden by Rs 153 crore.

PMPML deficit

*2016-17 – Rs 210.44 cr

*2017-18 – Rs 204.61 cr

*2018-19 – Rs 247.04 cr

*2019-20 – Rs 315.10 cr

*2020-21 – Rs 494.16 cr

*2021-22 – Rs 718.97 cr

*2022-23 – Rs 646.53 cr

*2023-24 – Rs 706.88 cr