Ride Without Fear: PMPML(Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) Calls for Police Patrols to Shield Passengers from Theft and Harassment

Image Source: Pune Pulse

In a decisive move to bolster commuter safety, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has formally requested Pune City Police to deploy regular patrols along key bus routes and major terminals across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the PMRDA region. The appeal comes in response to a surge in complaints from the city’s 10–11 lakh daily bus commuters, particularly women and students, who have reported rising incidents of theft, eve-teasing, and vandalism during their journeys.

Key Highlights:

Rising Concerns: Passengers have reported frequent thefts of wallets and valuables, instances of eve-teasing, and vandalism at BRT stations, including obscene graffiti. Women and students are especially affected, leading to a growing sense of insecurity on public transport.
Targeted Patrols: PMPML has identified 28 high-traffic routes and several major bus stations—including Swargate, Deccan Stand, Katraj, Pune Station, Hadapsar Depot, Nigdi Pradhikaran, and Chinchwad—that require immediate police presence, especially during peak hours.
Strategic Action: The request for increased security comes directly from PMPML’s Chairman and Managing Director, who has communicated the urgency to the Commissioner of Police. The goal is to deter criminal activity and restore commuter confidence.
Broader Measures: Alongside police patrolling, there are renewed calls for the long-pending installation of panic buttons and CCTV cameras on buses to further enhance passenger safety, especially for women.
Community Impact: With 381 routes and over 20,000 daily trips, PMPML is a lifeline for Pune’s urban population. Ensuring safety is now a top priority to maintain public trust in the city’s transport system.