Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) got two new electric bus depots at Charholi and Man today. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated both the depots in the city. The event started with prayers for the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Addressing the event, Pawar made a huge announcement that 1,500 new buses will soon be added to the PMPML fleet. He said that it will strengthen the city's public transport system.
As per the information, Man Depot will have 30 electric buses while Charholi will have 60 buses, under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. For the addition of buses, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has provided Rs 230 crore to purchase 500 CNG buses. Moreover, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body will each contribute Rs 150 crore for an additional 500 CNG buses.
The remaining 500 buses will be electric and will also be purchased under the GCC model. Deputy CM Pawar said that the development will support the state's vision of a 'Green Maharashtra.'
Pawar also seized the opportunity to shed light on the development projects in the city. He said that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is building an outer ring road, while PMRDA is soon to begin work on the inner ring road. He also mentioned the expansion plan for metro, including on approved and proposed routes like Swargate–Katraj and Khadakwasla–Hadapsar–Kharadi.
Providing details about the existing fleet of the PMPML, its Managing Director Deepa Mudhol-Munde stated that the transport department currently operates 1,967 buses and covers 3.1 lakh km daily. The PMPML serves about 12.5 lakh passengers daily, she added. With the addition of two depots to the 15 operational ones, she asserted that the efforts are underway to expand the fleet.
It must also be noted that the mobile app of PMPML has seen wide usage. She highlighted the same and added that the organisation has won two national awards for the digital initiatives it has taken. Meanwhile, the PMPML is also planning to introduce conductor-less smart buses using AI, prioritising safety and accident-free service.