AC Fails in Shivshahi Buses, Passengers Swelter in Pune's Summer Heat

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Shivshahi Buses in Pune Bring Disgrace Due to Non-Functional AC Systems

As Pune sizzles under a relentless heatwave, passengers on MSRTC's Shivshahi buses are being forced to endure rising temperatures without the comfort they were promised. Despite being air-conditioned, these buses—once hailed as a premium travel option—are now becoming a source of complaints.

The Shivshahi buses of MSRTC in Pune are currently experiencing a crisis in terms of its civic facilities. The 75 buses operating in Pune have dissatisfied commuters beyond comprehension especially in the rising heat, by providing no AC services. However, transport officials claim that special care was taken to check the maintenance and functioning of the buses.

Passengers report broken AC systems, dirty curtains, sealed windows, and worn-out seats. With 75 Shivshahi buses operating under Pune division, the number of breakdowns and AC failures is steadily rising. Commuters, especially those traveling long distances, are finding the experience unbearable. One traveler, Ashok Shelke, recounted how a bus from Solapur had no functioning AC, and the sealed windows made it worse. "It was mental agony," he said.

Transport officials claim that 66 buses are dispatched only after full maintenance, and instructions have been given to depot heads to inspect all buses thoroughly. However, daily experiences of passengers tell a different story.

As Pune’s temperatures hover over 40°C, the failure of AC systems in Shivshahi buses is no less than a public transport crisis during peak summer.