Pune: PMPML to Add 2,500 Buses to Fleet, PMC Directs Depot Upgrades

Pune, 21st October 2026: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) plans to add 2,500 buses to its fleet over the next year to improve public transport and meet growing demand in Pune and its surrounding areas. In preparation for the expansion, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed officials to upgrade bus depots and improve infrastructure to accommodate the additional vehicles.

Of the 2,500 buses, 1,000 are expected to join the fleet by the end of March 2027, while the remaining 1,500 are planned to be added in April 2027, according to information shared by the municipal commissioner. Around 20% to 25% of the new buses will be electric, while the remaining buses will run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

The proposed expansion has highlighted the need to upgrade existing PMPML depots. Several depots lack adequate space for bus repairs, while buses are often parked on roads at night, raising safety concerns. The civic administration has stressed the need to improve depot infrastructure before the additional buses arrive.

A meeting was held at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to discuss the proposed upgrades. PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Mahesh Awhad and civic officials attended the meeting.

Ram said the depots must have an adequate electricity supply, asphalted internal roads and boundary walls. He directed officials to take the necessary steps to improve depot facilities and ensure they are ready to accommodate the expanded fleet.

PMPML currently operates around 1,900 buses and serves approximately 11 lakh to 12 lakh passengers daily. The transport undertaking has been working to expand its fleet to meet the growing demand for public transport.

As part of the expansion, 1,000 CNG buses are planned to be procured using a combined fund of ₹750 crore. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will contribute ₹500 crore, the PMC ₹150 crore and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) ₹100 crore.

Another 1,000 CNG buses are expected to be provided to PMPML under the Central government’s PM E-Drive scheme, according to the information shared by the civic administration. The addition of these buses, along with the planned electric buses, is expected to expand public transport capacity and improve bus services across Pune and the surrounding areas.