Pimpri-Chinchwad tourism bus service, intended to showcase the city's historical, religious, and scenic spots, has struggled to attract passengers due to high ticket prices and lengthy travel times.
In September, the service saw only 22 passengers, generating ₹11,000 in revenue—a disappointing turnout that has prompted officials to discontinue the service from Nigdi and remove several stops within the city.
Initially launched in 2019, the “Pimpri-Chinchwad Darshan” bus service was designed to provide residents and tourists with a guided tour of significant landmarks in the city.
However, due to poor ridership, the service was temporarily suspended, and upon its relaunch, the situation has not improved.
The service, which runs on weekends from Swargate, covered a 119-kilometer route to key destinations such as Dehu’s Gatha Temple, Alandi, and Prati Shirdi.
Despite expectations of 35 passengers per trip, only 22 passengers took the bus in September, generating meager revenue for PMPML.
Earlier routes, including popular destinations like Appu Ghar in Nigdi, were modified following feedback that the attraction consumed too much time, leaving passengers with little opportunity to explore other sites.
PMPML officials said that in the current scenario, even the reduced route covering fewer stops has not revived interest.
In addition to high ticket prices, ranging from ₹300 to ₹500 per passenger, passengers have voiced concerns about the lack of comprehensive information on destinations and the overall length of the tour.
Many have requested the inclusion of new stops such as Mulshi Dam, Narayani Temple, and Ekvira Devi Temple to make the tour more appealing.
PMPML spokesperson Satish Gate emphasized the need for greater public interest to keep the service operational, noting that without a sufficient number of passengers, the bus routes may face further cuts or suspensions.
Currently Covered Destinations:
Gatha Temple, Dehu
ISKCON Temple, Ravet
Moraya Gosavi Temple, Chinchwad
Gajanan Maharaj Math, Alandi