Pune: Ajit Pawar Inaugurates PMPML E-Depots, Announces Major Public Transport and Urban Development Plans for Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pune, April 25, 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the new Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) electric bus depots at Charholi Budruk and Maan near Hinjawadi, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban transport in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Speaking at the event in Charholi, Pawar announced major public transport and urban development plans for Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The event was attended by key officials, including Pimpri MLA Anna Bansode, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and PMPML Managing Director Deepali Mudhol-Munde.
Pawar announced that 60 buses will be allocated to the Charholi Budruk depot and 30 to the Maan depot, with Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations jointly funding the project in a 60:40 ratio. “There have been radical changes in our bus fleet. We are now running environment-friendly buses and have plans to add 500 new Tata buses worth ₹230 crore, with funding from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and additional support from the municipal corporations. Soon, our fleet will reach nearly 1,500 buses, which will significantly improve public transport,” Pawar stated.
Looking ahead to the city’s rapid growth, Pawar revealed a comprehensive urban development plan for Pimpri-Chinchwad, projecting the population to reach 4.2 million by 2041. “Given the rising population, we are planning to source water for the city from the Bhama-Askhed, Thokarwadi, Mulshi, and Pawana dams. Pimpri-Chinchwad may even have its own Member of Parliament in the coming Lok Sabha,” he said.
Pawar also emphasized the government’s commitment to affordable housing, highlighting ongoing efforts to provide 3 lakh homes for low-income groups in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. “We want even the common man to travel in air-conditioned comfort. While the wealthy already have this privilege, we are exploring ways to make more AC buses available for the public, especially given the rising temperatures and health concerns,” he added.
