Pune: PMPML Rolls Out Pilot Project To Monitor Bus Health

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has decided to fit "On Board Devices" in its buses to curb sudden breakdowns on the roads.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Nitin Narvekar, Managing Director of PMPML, said, "The cases of breakdown increase, especially in the summer season, due to heat. Soon, a health monitoring system known as the 'On Board Device' will be set up in all PMPML buses. This device will alert bus drivers by indicating a signal (mini light blinking). The device's functional system will be connected directly to the control room. As the driver informs about the blinking light, that particular bus will be checked technically and mechanically. With the help of this device, it is easier to detect faults in the buses, including coolant shortages, engine overheating and other technical glitches."

"In the initial stage, we have installed this in four buses. Its analysis will be done, and once the results are positive, it will soon be fitted in all the buses. This will be very helpful—knowing about upcoming faults will help maintain the buses, and there will be very few chances of a breakdown on the road. Earlier, there were no devices installed, and the driver was unaware of the glitches," he added.

"It is very inconvenient for passengers to suffer and wait after the breakdown of buses. However, after the installation of the devices, the driver will get an alert from the blinking light, which will help reduce breakdowns on the road," he further said.

Breakdown Data:

January 2025: 877 (self-owned buses), 980 (leased)

February 2025: 830 (self-owned buses), 976 (leased)

March 2025: 856 (self-owned buses), 1,181 (leased)

April 2025: 924 (self-owned buses), 1,536 (leased)