Pune: 25 New Electric Double-Decker Buses to Begin Service in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in the New Year; Check Service Routes
PUNE: In a major boost to the city’s public transport infrastructure, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandalam Ltd (PMPML) has officially moved forward with the procurement of 25 electric double-decker buses. Following a successful trial period and a positive technical assessment, these air-conditioned, eco-friendly buses are expected to hit the streets of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad starting in the New Year.
The decision was finalized after the PMPML Board of Directors granted approval, followed by a rigorous 10-day trial run in September. The trials covered high-traffic areas including Hinjewadi, Bhosari, Koregaon Park, and Viman Nagar. A special three-member committee was also appointed to study battery efficiency and technical feasibility; the committee’s positive report paved the way for the current tender process.
Enhancing Capacity and Comfort
Modeled after the successful implementation of double-decker electric buses in Mumbai, this initiative aims to tackle peak-hour crowding. Each bus, estimated to cost approximately ₹2 crores, is designed to carry a total of 85 passengers (60 seated and 25 standing).
The buses are 9.5 meters long and 4.75 meters high, offering a pollution-free alternative to traditional transport while providing a premium, air-conditioned experience for daily commuters.
Key Routes Identified
PMPML has identified several high-demand corridors for these new additions:
- Hinjewadi Phase 3: Circular route.
- Chinchwad to Hinjewadi: Connecting the industrial and IT hubs.
- Metro Connectivity: Ramwadi Metro Station to Kharadi; Magarpatta City to Kalyani Nagar Metro Station.
- Airport Transit: Pune Station to Lohgaon Airport.
- Spiritual Corridor: Dehu to Alandi.
“The Board of Directors has approved taking electric double-decker buses on a lease basis. After studying the battery technology, we have decided to induct 25 buses and the tender process is now underway,” said Pankaj Devre, Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML.
With this move, PMPML is not only expanding its fleet capacity but also reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable, “Green Pune” vision.
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