By Nityanjali Bulsu
Frequent breakdowns of electric buses in Pune, caused mainly by poor-quality batteries, have created major hurdles for daily transport operations. In response, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has slapped a fine of Rs 55 crore on the bus supplier, Olectra Greentech Limited.
Officials from the transport body explained that these recurring breakdowns not only inconvenience passengers but also add more financial burden to PMPML, which is already running with heavy losses. After reviewing the matter in detail, the board of directors decided that a strict penalty had to be imposed on the company for failing to deliver reliable service.
Olectra Greentech currently provides a significant portion of the city’s electric bus fleet. However, the consistent problems, especially related to the batteries, have been causing frequent disruptions in scheduled operations. In just the last month and a half, around 45 buses had to be pulled out of service due to battery failures, forcing PMPML to reduce the frequency of buses on multiple routes.
To fix the issue, PMPML has declared that 25 buses with faulty batteries will now undergo complete replacement of their battery cells. As per the existing contract, the costs for this work will be borne by Olectra itself. Officials stressed that the repeated problems have damaged the credibility of the city’s e-bus initiative, which was started with the goal of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly public transport. They also hinted that if the situation does not improve soon, stronger measures such as blacklisting the company could be considered.
The PMPML chairman and managing director (CMD) Pankaj Deore talked about the issue, saying that it was the poor quality of batteries and multiple breakdowns that have led them to take the reins of the investigation and take strong action. He also added that Olectra must take responsibility for the faulty goods, and has thus been fined a sum of Rs 55 crore. “They will also have to ensure immediate replacement of defective batteries to restore full services.” He said.
Through this action, PMPML has delivered a strong warning to all contractors and service providers that compromises in quality will not be tolerated, especially when public transport services impact the daily lives of lakhs of commuters in Pune.