PMC clears Rs 23.11 crore for PMPML bus pass dues, well short of Rs 34.87 crore

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sanctioned Rs 23.11 crore for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), to make good the cost of free and concessional bus passes issued during 2025-26. The pass holders include students, senior citizens, freedom fighters, journalists and civic employees.

The standing committee cleared the proposal on November 5, after going through PMPML's claims. The sanctioned sum is much smaller than the amount PMC's own departments had recommended.

PMPML first put its claim for passes under the various schemes at Rs 36.18 crore. The departments concerned examined it and recommended Rs 34.87 crore. However, the budget carried no separate provision for that figure, so the payment was held at Rs 23.11 crore.

The money covers annual, half-yearly and quarterly student passes, as well as passes sold at a 50 per cent concession. It also pays for free passes given to senior citizens, freedom fighters, meritorious persons and PMC employees. The information and public relations department had recommended Rs 71,300 for free passes issued to reporters working with daily and weekly publications.

PMPML had also sought Rs 1.27 crore for 22-day passenger punching passes. The departments did not recommend this claim, and it explains part of the difference between what PMPML demanded and what was recommended.

The proposal reached the committee against a particular background. PMPML had asked PMC for an advance of Rs 33 crore before Diwali, so that it could pay its employees ex gratia and bonus. PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram then brought this reimbursement proposal before the standing committee.

PMC's 2026-27 budget has set aside Rs 23.11 crore for bus pass concessions. To release the full recommended Rs 34.87 crore, the civic body would need a further Rs 11.77 crore.

The payment will come from the existing budget provision, but only after the PMC general body approves it. PMPML will get the money once the general body gives its go-ahead.