Mumbai–Pune Shivneri Bus: A 5-Hour Ordeal Despite 'Express' Label

Mumbai/Pune, 11th August 2025: Passengers travelling on the state-run Mumbai–Pune Shivneri AC bus service have expressed frustration over what they say are excessive halts and long travel times, turning what should be a smooth intercity journey into a drawn-out ordeal.

A recent trip from Mumbai to Pune took more than five hours, with multiple stoppages within the city before the bus even reached the expressway. “It’s a complete waste of time,” said a commuter who boarded the bus from Dadar. “A shared cab costs about ₹400 and reaches in three hours. But here, I spent five and a half hours, including unnecessary waits and a 20-minute break on the expressway.”

Passengers also questioned whether the ₹590 fare justified the service quality. “There was no traffic, yet the bus kept halting for long periods in Mumbai. It’s frustrating when you’re paying for an ‘express’ service that feels anything but express,” the passenger added.

According to sources, the delays often occur because buses wait at intermediate stops to fill vacant seats even after departing from the Dadar depot. This practice, while aimed at maximizing occupancy, significantly extends travel times and undermines the ‘express’ label.

When contacted, a senior official from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) acknowledged the complaints and said the issue would be reviewed. “We have noticed that buses taking the route via Vashi bridge, Nerul, and Kharghar tend to face such delays due to repeated stops. However, services operating through Atal Setu have not reported these issues,” the official explained.

The MSRTC, a key public transport provider in Maharashtra, operates a vast network of bus services connecting major cities and rural areas. Despite its efforts to improve service quality, the Mumbai–Pune route has been a recurring source of complaints from passengers.

To address these concerns, the MSRTC is considering several measures, including optimizing stop schedules and enhancing the frequency of buses. However, the implementation of these changes will require a coordinated effort and a commitment to improving the overall travel experience for commuters.

For now, passengers are left with the choice of either enduring the long and frustrating bus journey or opting for more expensive but faster alternatives like shared cabs or private vehicles. The hope is that the MSRTC will take swift action to ensure that the ‘express’ label on the Mumbai–Pune Shivneri bus service is more than just a name.

The importance of reliable and efficient public transport cannot be overstated, especially in a bustling city like Mumbai. As the demand for intercity travel continues to grow, it is crucial that transport authorities prioritize the needs and expectations of their passengers to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.