Pune Darshan nets Rs 57.03 lakh from 11,406 passengers

Pune Darshan nets Rs 57.03 lakh from 11,406 passengers

PUNE: It seems tourists visiting Pune love the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML)’s Pune Darshan bus service. The bus ferries tourists to various tourist spots for sightseeing including the historic, religious and social places. The bus ran to full capacity during the summer vacation.

As per data obtained from PMPML only about 30 passengers use the service on an average day (per bus 15 passengers). In the period of one year between January-December 2019, 11,406 tourists used the service.

Pune Darshan service was started by PMPML in association with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to promote tourism. However, it is struggling to stay afloat due to low average passengers.

The bus covers 20 sites in the city and surrounding areas. There are only two air-conditioned buses to carry tourists and fare is Rs 500 per passenger. Though the service is available throughout the year, it mainly receives a good response during the vacations.

The service is most in demand during summer vacation and then during Christmas vacations. During the rest of the year, however, the numbers are largely dismal. As per data, in January 2019 only 747 tourists used the service, in February 662 and then March 828 passengers. In summer vacations, however, the footfall saw some improvement with 1,093 tourists using the facility in April, 1,699 tourists in May and 1,339 in June 2019.

The bookings saw a decline between July and November. In December 2019, the number again climbed to 1,259 passengers. The service was initially operated by PMPML after it started in 2015. Later, the service was outsourced to a private operator who too found the service financially unviable and abandoned the operations. Presently, it’s being operated by PMPML again.

“The average monthly revenue during lean months is Rs 3 to 3.5 lakh while during the vacation period it is Rs 7 to 8 lakh. Considering the expenses – on fuel, maintenance and staff – the service is making losses,” said an official who did not wish to be quoted. A total of 20 heritage sites and tourist attractions are covered in the tour including Shaniwar Wada, Saras Baug, Kelkar Museum, Lal Mahal, Aga Khan Palace among others.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com