India, Aug. 1 -- Pune -

Grappling with mounting financial losses and an annual subsidy requirement of nearly Rs.800 crore, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has initiated a major non-fare revenue generation drive by monetising its existing infrastructure across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The transport undertaking - which relies on 60% subsidy from the Pune Municipal Corporation and 40% subsidy from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation - has started renting out vacant office spaces, commercial shops and other unused areas at its bus depots at prevailing market rates.

The initiative is aimed at creating an additional and sustainable source of income while reducing dependence on government support for day-to-day ope...