Breakdown of PMPML buses leads 51 jams in 45 days

Vijaykumar Palsule,inspector (planning and administration) said,“Traffic jams occur when buses fail at busy hours. These buses are so heavy that it requires a PMPML crane or towing vehicle to remove it. These have caused traffic jams ranging from 30 minutes to an hour as its takes a lot of time to bring in the towing vehicle and ease the traffic jam.”

From November 1 to December 15,buses breaking down on the roads have caused repeated jams at Shanipar,Ramoshi Gate,Satara Road,Shivaji Bridge near PMC,Fatimanagar,Gadikhana near Mandai,Juna Bazar,Belbag Chowk and Karve Road.

“Spots like Shivaji Bridge have seen four jams due to bus failures in the last 20 days. At that spot we have traffic coming in from five directions and these jams have been really bad.”

He added,“We will now be taking punitive action against the transport utility and the drivers.” As per rule,a fine of Rs 1,000 can be levied for the first offence and Rs 2,000 for for subsequent offences.

PMPML chief engineer Sunil Burse said,“These buses have to run 18 hours a day and on patches of roads where there is heavy traffic buses have to run on first and second gear and there are always chances of failure. We neither have enough mechanics in our workshop nor adequate infrastructure to handle so many buses breaking down.” He added,“In case of new buses that we have got,not enough spare parts are available with us in case they fail due to heavy usage.”