Pune: The road closures and diversions enforced for Monday’s cycling event caused major inconvenience to commuters using PMPML and MSRTC buses. Though PMPML did not cancel any services, officials confirmed that nearly 1,800 trips operated by about 150 buses were disrupted.MSRTC buses to Mumbai also faced delays, with routes via Karve Road and Ganeshkhind Road diverted after both stretches were closed. Passengers waiting at these stops were not informed beforehand. “It took me over two-and-a-half hours to reach Deccan Corner from Swargate, a journey that usually takes no more than an hour. From there, I had to walk another 2.5km to reach my office on FC Road,” said technician-cum-sales representative Sunil Bijale.Nitin Wable, headed to JM Road via a PMPML bus, echoed the frustration. “With so many diversions, the bus eventually halted as it couldn’t proceed. We were forced to get down and walk. PMPML provided no updates.”Another passenger said, “Buses dropped us at Deccan Corner, after which we had to walk. I took almost two hours to get there from Golibar Maidan because traffic was heavily affected by the diversions.”PMPML officials acknowledged the issues. “The Deccan bus station was shut till evening. All buses are running, but with diversions. Nearly 1,800 trips by about 150 buses were impacted. There are delays, but we are working to maintain punctuality. We expect normalcy by 6-7pm,” a senior official said.MSRTC passengers travelling to Mumbai also struggled. Many missed their buses as services were rerouted after 9am. “MSRTC should have informed passengers in advance. I waited for nearly an hour on Karve Road and will now need to seek a refund,” business executive Gautam Sharma said.MSRTC’s divisional transport officer Sachin Shinde said notices were put up at depots. “People, it seems, do not read them,” he said.Meanwhile, with several commuters opting for Pune Metro as an alternative, autorickshaw drivers reportedly overcharged. “The distance from Dhole Patil Road to the Metro station near Jehangir Hospital is barely 2km, yet the driver charged me Rs 150 and refused to go by the meter,” Manish Wardhan, who was travelling to Deccan for work, said.
