PUNE: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has now decided to ply buses during night on some routes from the railway station after starting its service from its premises. However, the night service fare will 25 per cent higher than the regular one.

Two weeks ago, Pune Railway Division and PMPML announced that buses belonging to the latter will be allowed to pick up and drop passengers inside the station premises. 

The initiative started on a trial basis from Monday. The decision was taken after receiving several complaints about exorbitant fares being charged by cabs and auto-rickshaws from passengers.

According to PMPML, ‘Raat Rani’ (night services) are being provided by 15 buses from Pune Railway Station to Katraj (via Swargate, Ramoshi Gate), Hadapsar (via Pulgate, West End), NDA Gate (via Shivajinagar, Deccan, Warje Malwadi), Wagholi (via Yerwada, Chandan Nagar), Bhosari (via Shivajinagar, Bopodi, Kasarwadi) and Nigdi (Shivajinagar, Bopodi and Pimpri). 

“A separate lane has been provided for PMPML buses in lane number four behind Mahatma Gandhi statue on station premises. Passengers can easily find a bus after they come out from the exit gate at the Railway Station,” said Pune Railway Division spokesperson Manoj Jhawar.

“On some of these routes, the night service is already operational. We have increased the number of buses on the routes where the service was already functional. The fare for the night service is 25 per cent higher than the regular fare,” said PMPML spokesperson Subhash Gaikwad.