Pune Women Harassment: Daily Struggles On PMPML Buses And Crowded Streets

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

For a lot of women in Pune, the commute isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about bracing themselves for something they never signed up for—unwanted touches, gropes, or that uncomfortable brush that lingers a second too long. What should be an ordinary bus ride or a quick walk through a busy street has sadly turned into a daily fight for dignity.

What’s Really Happening Out There?

Let’s be blunt—harassment in public spaces is not a rare incident here, it’s routine.

On PMPML buses: Peak-hour rides are the worst. Even the so-called “reserved sections” for women don’t offer much relief because many men shamelessly occupy those seats.
In crowded areas: Swargate bus stand, Pune Station, Mandai, and market lanes—these are places that almost every woman I’ve spoken to mentions as hotspots for harassment.

The sad part? It’s not just about space being crowded—it’s about people taking advantage of that crowd.

What Women Are Saying

“It’s the helplessness that kills you,” a 24-year-old IT professional told me. She travels from Kothrud to Hinjawadi every day. “In a jam-packed bus, someone brushes against you or touches you, and before you can even react, they’ve slipped away. You’re left standing there, angry and shaken.”

Another voice, this time from a college student in Camp, was even more raw: “You feel violated, but somehow you also feel ashamed—as if it’s your fault. And the worst thing? Everyone around you acts like it’s no big deal.”

These aren’t isolated experiences. They’re echoes of the same frustration, shame, and helplessness that thousands of women carry silently every single day.

Why So Many Stay Silent

And here’s the heartbreaking truth—most of these incidents never get reported. Why?

The offenders just vanish into the crowd.
Victims fear being blamed—“Why were you there?” “What were you wearing?”
Society pushes a “Don’t make a scene” culture.
And let’s be real—there’s very little faith that reporting will actually change anything.

What Authorities Say vs. What Women Face

Officials will tell you the usual lines: “Stay alert,” “Report incidents,” “Use reserved seats.” PMPML points to women-only sections. Police talk about helplines and patrolling.

But here’s the gap—the advice puts all the burden on women, while the actual problems—overcrowding, lack of surveillance, and bystanders looking the other way—are still ignored.

What Needs to Change (And Fast)

This is not just about women learning to “be careful.” The responsibility lies with all of us—authorities, citizens, and fellow passengers.

Bystanders, step up: If you see something, speak up. Even asking loudly, “Are you okay?” can stop a harasser in his tracks.
Women, don’t stay silent: Call them out. Make noise. Use the helplines—Police (112), Women’s Helpline (1091).
Authorities, act—not just advise:
- CCTV cameras in buses and crowded areas.
- Strict enforcement of women-only seating.
- More patrolling where it’s needed most.
- Sensitization training for PMPML staff.

Enough is Enough

Let’s stop sugarcoating this—daily harassment is not some “minor inconvenience.” It’s a crime. It’s a violation of basic freedom.

The women of Pune are angry, and they have every right to be. Safety is not a luxury, it’s a right. And if we really want to call ourselves a progressive, modern city, then it’s on all of us—the police, PMPML, and ordinary citizens—to make sure women can travel without fear.

Because no one should have to think twice before boarding a bus in their own city.