Tushar Kamthe Urges Rollback of PMPML Fare Hike, Citing Financial Strain on Daily Commuters

Pimpri-Chinchwad :  In a strong appeal to the authorities, Tushar Kamthe, City President of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) in Pimpri-Chinchwad, has demanded an immediate rollback of the recently increased bus fares by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). Calling the fare hike “unjust and burdensome”, Kamthe said it severely affects lakhs of daily commuters who rely on public transportation for their everyday needs.

Kamthe has submitted a formal memorandum to Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML. In the memorandum, he stated that the fare increase disproportionately impacts the working class, students, senior citizens, and other economically vulnerable sections of society.

“Public transport is not a luxury – it is a basic necessity for thousands of citizens who cannot afford private vehicles. PMPML’s fare hike threatens their financial stability,” said Kamthe.

He pointed out that the increase in bus ticket prices could force many daily commuters to look for alternative transport options, including private vehicles. This, he said, would not only disrupt the existing urban mobility balance but also lead to a sharp rise in traffic congestion and vehicular pollution in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Kamthe warned that ignoring the needs of common citizens in public policy decisions like fare revision undermines the core purpose of public transport. “The PMPML was created to provide affordable, efficient, and sustainable travel options to the public. With this fare hike, that very mission is under threat,” he added.

He urged authorities to consider the broader implications of the fare hike on the environment, public health, and urban traffic. In his appeal, he called for a compassionate and pragmatic review of the decision and requested that the fare hike be rolled back or reduced significantly.

“Reducing the fare hike would provide much-needed relief to the citizens and also encourage continued use of public transport, which is vital for sustainable urban development,” Kamthe said.

The issue has sparked debate across the city, especially among low- and middle-income commuters, many of whom have voiced concerns on social media and through civil society groups. Kamthe’s move is expected to intensify pressure on PMPML and municipal authorities to reconsider their decision.