PUNE: Back-to-back fire incidents involving Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses due to sparks or other issues have alerted the the transport body. The PMPML has installed fire extinguishers in 1,100 buses in its fleet. These buses are those owned by PMPML.

The current fleet strength of the PMPML is 1,373, while additional 577 buses are operated by private parties on contract basis. 

Three incidents were reported this year and six in 2018. In the last three years, the PMPML has reported a total of over 20 bus fire catching incidents.

After the incidents, the PMPML constituted a 12-member committee to examine these incidents and conduct a monthly audit of the buses. 

The committee included representatives from PMPML, Tata Motors, Regional Transport Office (RTO), Ashok Leyland, Anthony Garages Private Limited, Mahalaxmi Automotive and fire audit consultants. 

“The decision to install these fire fighting systems was taken by the committee in the month of February,” said a senior officer of PMPML.

Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited Chief Engineer Sunil Burse said, “Taking note of the fire catching incident in our buses, we have decided to install fire extinguishers in all our buses. So far, we have installed these systems in 1,100 buses; however, the same will be done in the rest of the buses in the next two months.” 

“The department has instructed the private bus contractors to install fire fighting systems on their buses. In case of emergencies, the bus drivers and the conductors will have to use these systems,” Burse  added.