Pune: PMPML Electric Bus Catches Fire in Chakan MIDC; 50 Passengers Narrowly Escape
CHAKAN, PUNE – A major tragedy was averted on Friday morning when a Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) electric bus caught fire in the heart of the Chakan industrial belt. Approximately 50 passengers, mostly industrial workers heading for their shifts, were evacuated just minutes before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames near the Mahindra & Mahindra company gate.
Swift Action Prevents Casualties near Mahindra Gate
The incident occurred around 10:30 AM on the Nigdi to Mahalunge MIDC route. Witnesses reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke emanating from the front section of the e-bus. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the driver showed remarkable presence of mind by immediately pulling over and opening all doors.
Along with the conductor, the driver ensured that all 50 commuters disembarked safely. Within moments of the evacuation, the fire intensified, rapidly spreading through the cabin. By the time the fire brigade arrived from the Chakan MIDC station, the vehicle was reduced to a charred metallic skeleton.
Preliminary Cause: Short Circuit Suspected
While a formal technical investigation is underway, preliminary observations by PMPML officials point toward a short circuit in the electrical system or the battery compartment. The bus was a special service vehicle deployed specifically for industrial employees, making the timing of the fire during peak operational hours particularly concerning.
“The bus was completely gutted, but the priority was the safety of the passengers,” a local fire official stated. “Our teams doused the flames, but the internal wiring and battery systems were already destroyed.”
🚨 MAJOR TRAGEDY AVERTED IN CHAKAN
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) February 13, 2026
50 passengers, mostly industrial workers, narrowly escaped today after a PMPML electric bus was completely gutted by fire near the Mahindra company gate.
Huge credit to the driver and conductor for their swift action in evacuating everyone… pic.twitter.com/4rictlZ9nx
Rising Safety Concerns Over PMPML E-Bus Fleet
This latest fire in Chakan is not an isolated incident. Over the last 12 months, the PMPML fleet has witnessed a string of fire-related mishaps, including a double-bus fire in Pimpri-Chinchwad in late 2025 and an e-bus fire in Nigdi in October 2025.
These recurring incidents have sparked a heated debate regarding:
- Maintenance Standards: Whether private contractors like Olectra Greentech are conducting rigorous checks.
- Fire Audits: The effectiveness of the audits previously commissioned to the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).
- Battery Safety: The resilience of e-bus batteries against Pune’s high-traffic and high-temperature environments.
Impact on Chakan Traffic and Public Trust
The fire caused significant traffic snarls on the busy stretch leading to Mahalunge MIDC, a critical logistics hub for Pune. Commuters and worker unions have already begun raising voices on social media, questioning if the “Green Fleet” transition is being rushed at the cost of passenger safety.
PMPML authorities have ordered a high-level probe into the Chakan incident. Until the technical report is submitted, the transport body faces the uphill task of reassuring nearly 9 lakh daily commuters about the safety of its 2,000-bus fleet.
