Pune, often dubbed as the “Oxford of the East,” is all set to witness a significant boost in its public transportation services in 2025. Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) is gearing up to expand its fleet with the addition of 1,600 new buses, aimed at improving connectivity and catering to the growing demand at metro stations and across the city.
The first batch of 600 CNG-powered buses is expected to hit the streets by February 2025, with the remaining fleet additions, including electric models, scheduled to be incorporated later in the year. Currently, PMPML operates around 1,800 buses, with 1,500 actively serving commuters and the rest undergoing maintenance.
Nitin Narvekar, the Joint Managing Director of PMPML, shared key details about the upcoming fleet expansion. The procurement of 400 CNG buses under the Gross Cost Capital (GCC) model and 200 buses funded through a partnership between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in a 60:40 ratio are in the pipeline. Additionally, a proposal for 1,000 electric buses has been submitted to Union Civil Aviation and Corporation Minister Murlidhar Mohol.
With PMPML currently serving around 13 lakh daily commuters, the surge in demand at metro stations due to the expansion of the Pune Metro necessitates the addition of more buses. Narvekar emphasized the importance of the fleet expansion in meeting commuter needs and enhancing public transport services in the city.
The fleet expansion not only promises improved connectivity and increased capacity but also underscores a commitment to sustainable urban mobility. The introduction of CNG and electric buses aligns with the city’s efforts towards eco-friendly initiatives. With collaborative funding from PMC and PCMC, the shared responsibility in improving public transport is evident.
By addressing maintenance issues and focusing on commuter needs, PMPML’s decision to add 1,600 buses represents a significant stride towards transforming Pune’s transit landscape. The move towards sustainable urban development and enhanced service quality is set to redefine public transportation in Pune in 2025.
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