Pune: The collapse of a PMPML bus shelter in Pashan on Monday evening, in moderate rain, sparked widespread anger among commuters, who demanded the transport body investigate the incident and conduct safety audits of all bus stops in the city.The steel structure that collapsed was near three schools on Dr Homi Bhabha Road — St Joseph School, Loyola and Punyashloki Ahilyadevi Holkar School. Luckily, the shelter was not in use when the incident occurred. “It was not even windy. So how did this bus shelter collapse? There has to be an investigation,” said Sanjay Shitole, a member of the public transport watchdog, PMP Pravasi Manch.For the last couple of years, PMPML has been trying to increase the number of sheltered bus stops in the city. Out of nearly 9,000 bus stops in the network, only about 1,500 have canopies. Plans were made and tenders were floated, but there has been little improvement on the ground. At least 685 locations in the city were identified for installation of bus shelters as part of the first phase.But after Monday’s incident, some commuters wondered what would be the point of shelters if one fell in moderate rain. “It would be better to not install them,” said Pashan resident Sachin Bandgar. “PMPML should launch a probe and find those responsible. Several factors could have caused it, including road digging or faulty construction. I would also feel safer if all bus stops were inspected for flaws,” he added.PMPML CMD Mahesh Awhad did not respond to calls for comment on Monday’s collapse. There were reactions from political parties. In its statement on the incident, MNS in Pune city said “negligence” by PMPML and PMC officials “would not be tolerated”. “We urge the authorities to ensure all bus shelters are maintained properly,” the statement read.There was a similar incident in 2022 when a bus shelter collapsed on Moledina Road in Camp. No one was injured.“If PMPML cannot provide safe shelters, it should not put up structures that may be a danger to commuters. This is public money and we all deserve to know what caused the collapse,” said Baner resident Prabhat Doke.
