Pune: Double-Decker Bus Trial Soon in Magarpatta, Hinjawadi, and Kharadi
Pune, 9th September 2025: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is set to test a new double-decker bus in Pune, following approval from the ‘Switch Mobility’ company. The bus, arriving from Chennai this week, will be piloted in the Magarpatta, Hinjawadi, and Kharadi areas for a week. Pending a positive report from this trial, the route for double-decker buses in Pune is expected to be cleared.
PMPML officials aim to introduce these buses in the IT Park corridor, drawing inspiration from Mumbai’s ‘BEST’ double-decker services. Discussions with Switch Mobility, the company that supplies buses to BEST, have resulted in approval for Pune’s service. PMPML officials will closely monitor the trial runs.
The new double-decker buses are electric, air-conditioned, and equipped with modern suspension systems for a comfortable ride. Digital ticketing facilities will also be available. Resembling London-style buses, each bus can seat up to 70 passengers and accommodate 40 standing passengers. Priced at approximately ₹2 crore, the buses stand at 14 feet 4 inches in height, ensuring they do not obstruct metro stations.
PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj Deore highlighted that earlier double-decker buses of the SLF type had high maintenance and repair costs. “The new electric buses will have significantly lower maintenance expenses,” he said.
The week-long test will determine if these buses are suitable for passenger service in Pune. If successful, PMPML plans to add double-decker buses to its fleet soon, enhancing public transport options in the city’s IT corridor.
