PMPML leases vacant depot spaces to raise revenue

PMPML is leasing vacant office spaces, commercial shops, and unused areas at its bus depots in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to raise non-fare revenue.

The transport undertaking faces annual losses and needs nearly ₹800 crore in subsidies, with 60% from Pune Municipal Corporation and 40% from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

Properties at depots including Deccan, Hadapsar, N T Wadi, Kothrud, Swargate, Nigdi, and Bhosari are being rented at market rates through a transparent process.

PMPML director Ajay Khedekar stated the initiative aims to monetize idle public assets and strengthen finances without burdening passengers.

This move is part of a strategy to diversify revenue sources beyond passenger fares, which are insufficient to cover rising fuel, maintenance, salaries, and fleet expansion costs.