Pune: PMPML to Start Operating Two Hydrogen-Powered Buses Within a Month

Pune’s roads are set to welcome hydrogen-powered buses, giving a fresh and eco-friendly option for daily commuters. The state energy agency, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), is providing two hydrogen buses to Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). With the fuel infrastructure sorted, these buses are expected to start running in about a month.

The buses will be temporarily refuelled at a station being set up in Chinchwad. The bus company itself will handle building and running this temporary fuel point. Earlier, the plan hit a roadblock because the fuel station needed around two acres of land, and MEDA had asked PMPML to bear the cost. However, an agreement was reached where the bus company will fund the temporary station’s construction. Once the service proves successful, a permanent station will be built in Balewadi on two acres of land, with PMPML taking care of both land and construction expenses.

PMPML’s Managing Director Pankaj Deore confirmed that with fuel supply in place, the hydrogen buses are ready to hit the streets soon. Each bus is 12 metres long and has a fuel tank that holds between 8 and 12 kilograms of hydrogen. Filling the tank takes only about 10 to 12 minutes, and the buses can travel between 280 and 350 kilometres on a full tank. They can carry up to 65 seated passengers and about 20 to 25 standing commuters.

This move is seen as a major step towards sustainable public transport in Pune. With growing awareness about pollution and cleaner energy alternatives, hydrogen buses could soon become a regular sight on the city’s roads.