PMPML gets back buses impounded by RTO

The three buses of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) that were seized by the Regional Transport Office (RTO),Pune,on Thursday were given back on Saturday after the transport utility paid about Rs 2 lakh. The buses were released keeping in mind the autorickshaw strike on Monday.

“The PMPML buses were seized on Thursday after the state transport commissioner ordered an action against the transport utility for non-payment of motor vehicle tax for 2004-10 as per the tax slab of Rs 71 per seat for PMPML buses. After we received the orders,we served a notice and waited for 10 days. But no initiative was taken by them,so we seized the buses. We returned the buses due to the rickshaw strike from Monday after we received a cheque of Rs 2 lakh today,” said Regional Transport Officer Arun Yeola.

Yeola said PMPML has tax dues of around Rs 36 lakh under the motor vehicle tax. Earlier The Indian Express had reported in January that PMPML owes Rs 120 crore by way of funds raised through the sale of tickets to commuters.

The RTO ordered PMPML and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation to arrange for additional buses so that commuters do not face problems. “We have authorised all types of vehicles,including goods carriers and private vehicles,to ferry passengers during the strike,” said Yeola.