Several days after the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT) halted its air-conditioned bus services, commuters have appealed to elected representatives to step in and ensure their immediate resumption. Daily passengers who relied heavily on these buses for comfortable travel have voiced concern over the inconvenience caused by the abrupt discontinuation. Many have stressed that the lack of AC buses has made commuting more difficult, especially for office-goers and senior citizens. Citizens are now urging local leaders to treat the issue as a priority and take swift action to bring back the much-needed service.
The disruption occurred after the contract of a private operator managing the AC buses came to an end, resulting in the suspension of services across eight major routes. Among the worst-hit routes was the one connecting Dombivli Station at Bajiprabhu Chowk to the MIDC residential area, which is frequently used by daily commuters. The sudden stoppage has left many passengers struggling to find suitable alternatives, as these routes served as a vital link for work and routine travel. The absence of these buses has added to the daily challenges faced by commuters.
Passengers have expressed frustration over the timing of the suspension, particularly as it coincides with the peak summer season when the demand for air-conditioned transport is at its highest. Many commuters pointed out that AC bus services in neighbouring cities such as Thane and Navi Mumbai are witnessing growing demand, making the discontinuation in KDMT even more concerning. The lack of planning and communication regarding the suspension has also been criticised, with passengers claiming that they were left unprepared for the sudden change in services.
Officials have confirmed that the AC bus services were officially discontinued from Friday. It has also come to light that the agreement with the contractor had expired nearly eight months ago, raising serious questions about delays in administrative decision-making. Commuters and observers alike have questioned why timely steps were not taken to renew or replace the contract, which could have prevented the complete shutdown of services. The situation has highlighted gaps in coordination and long-term planning within the transport system.
In a recent announcement, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation revealed a transport budget of ₹226 crore, which includes plans to introduce 100 new buses into the fleet. However, the suspension of existing AC services has drawn criticism, with many pointing out the contrast between ambitious announcements and the ground reality. Residents believe that improving current services should be prioritised alongside expansion plans. The shutdown has raised concerns about whether these new initiatives will be implemented effectively.
Citizens have now demanded urgent intervention to restore the AC bus services without further delay. Raju Nalawade, a resident of the Dombivli MIDC area, has appealed to corporators to focus on restarting the services, especially during the ongoing summer when the need is most pressing. He emphasised that many commuters depend on these buses for a more comfortable and reliable journey. Residents continue to hope that authorities will act quickly to resolve the issue and ensure that such disruptions do not occur in the future.