Pune: PMC Dismantles BRTS While PMRDA Proposes New Corridors in ₹1.26 Lakh Crore Mobility Plan
Pune’s transport policies appear contradictory as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) continues to dismantle Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridors, while the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) proposes six new dedicated routes under its Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). The plan also includes a 276-km metro network, with a total estimated budget of ₹1.26 lakh crore, aiming to address Pune’s traffic issues until 2050.
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) Managing Director Shravan Hardikar presented the CMP last week in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, outlining the city’s future transport vision. The proposed BRTS corridors will span 163km, covering routes such as:
- Ravet to Rajgurunagar
- Gawali Matha Chowk to Shewalewadi
- Ravet to Talegaon Dabhade
- Chandani Chowk to Hinjewadi
- Loni Kalbhor to Kedgaon
- Bhumkar Chowk to Chinchwad Chowk
Conflict Between PMC and PMRDA
While PMRDA envisions an expanded BRTS network, PMC has demolished two operational corridors—Swargate to Hadapsar and Yerawada to Kharadi—citing inefficiency and public opposition. Critics argue this contradiction raises doubts about the execution of the proposed BRTS projects.
Transport activist Harshad Abhyankar from Save Pune Traffic Movements questioned the logic of introducing new corridors while simultaneously dismantling old ones. “Officers who understand public transport won’t oppose BRTS, but will PMC implement the new plan?” he asked.
PMC had initially planned a 100-km BRTS network but failed in its execution, leading to widespread skepticism. A former PMC official, speaking anonymously, said the system was undermined by political opposition and lack of expansion due to public resistance.
Future of Public Transport in Pune
Former Deputy Mayor Siddharth Dhende (RPI) defended BRTS, arguing that it provided efficient and faster-moving buses that prioritized public transport. However, lack of support from citizens and political leaders led to its downfall.
With PMC and PMRDA at odds over BRTS, Pune’s public transport future remains uncertain. Whether the new corridors will be executed or face the same fate as the previous ones is yet to be seen.
