Civic body puts PMPML on back burner at General Body meeting

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) seems to be apathetic towards the public transport body - PMPML. Neither has the PMC sanctioned the 2.5 Floor Space Index (FSI) for development of properties belonging to PMPML, nor has it approved the amount due for free and concessional passes.

This was evident during Tuesday's General Body (GB) meeting after politicians across party lines did not bother discussing the FSI issue, which would help the cash-strapped PMPML recover its operational losses.

Much-needed boost: Cash-strapped PMPML could recover some losses if the civic body granted it 2.5 FSI for developing its properties. Representation pic

While on the other hand the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Standing Committee last week sanctioned Rs 25 crore to be given to PMPML.u00a0

Moreover, PCMC officials in their General Body meeting held in June have already granted 2.5 FSI for properties belonging to PMPML within the corporation's limits.

PCMC Commissioner
Dr Shreekar Pardeshi, who also heads PMPML, said, "Objections and suggestions have been invited regarding the proposal of sanctioning 2.5 FSI for properties belonging to PMPML. This proposal will help PMPML generate revenue, which can be utilised to make up for its operational losses.

PMPML has issued almost 10 lakh concessional passes to students, senior citizens, municipal corporation staff drivers and differently-abled persons from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad area.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had recently asked both the corporations to help PMPML financially. Pawar had asked that the charges for student passes be hiked from Rs 600 to Rs 750, also stating that the subsidised amount would be paid by the PMC and PCMC, and not the zilla parishad.

Vishal Tambe, chairman of the PMC's Standing Committee, said, "We are eager to clear the pending amount required by PMPML. We are discussing this issue with PMC Commissioner Mahesh Pathak and will soon arrive at the exact amount to be paid. We will put a proposal before the committee in the next meeting."u00a0