Pune: PMPML Launches Special Tourist Bus Service to Shivling Pilgrimage Sites
Pune, 3rd August 2025: In a move aimed at promoting spiritual tourism and providing comfortable, eco-friendly travel options, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has launched a dedicated Tourist Bus Service No. 12 connecting major Shivling pilgrimage sites in and around Pune. The initiative comes during the holy month of Shravan, when devotees traditionally undertake pilgrimages to Shiva temples.
Under the leadership of PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj Deore, the new service was launched on August 2, offering affordable, fully air-conditioned smart electric buses for pilgrims and tourists.
Key Features of PMPML’s Tourist Bus No. 12
- Route: Pune Station → Swargate → Bhuleshwar Temple (Malsiras, Purandar Taluka) → Prati Trimbakeshwar Temple (Hiware) → Sangameshwar Temple (Saswad) → Changavateshwar Temple (Saswad) → Narayaneshwar Temple (Narayanpur) → Baneshwar Temple → Swargate → Pune Station
- Departure: 8:30 AM from Pune Station
- Return: 7:00 PM at Pune Station
- Ticket Fare: ₹500 per passenger
The service is currently operational on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with flexibility to run on other days based on tourist demand. PMPML is targeting employees of IT companies, industries, schools, and colleges who usually have weekends off and are showing enthusiastic interest in weekend pilgrimage and tourism.
High Response from Devotees and Tourists
The tourism bus service, first introduced as a concept similar to PMPML’s successful Pune Darshan service, has received positive feedback from nature lovers, religious tourists, and local families alike. The initiative is expected to boost PMPML’s revenue while encouraging the use of sustainable transportation options.
Additional Tourist Bus Services
PMPML operates 12 dedicated tourist routes, including:
- Routes 1 to 10: Offer a special group discount — when a full bus of 33 seats is booked, the fare for five passengers is waived.
- Route 11 (Swargate to Lonavala): No group discount applicable.
- All tourist routes are priced at ₹500 per person (one way).
Booking Information
Tickets for PMPML’s tourist buses can be booked at the following pass centers:
- Deccan Gymkhana
- Pune Station
- Swargate
- Katraj
- Hadapsar Railway Station
- PMC Bhavan
- Bhosari Bus Station
- Nigdi
For bookings and inquiries, passengers can contact PMPML Coordinator Nitin Gurav at 9850501862.
Appeal to Citizens
PMPML has appealed to all devotees, tourists, and nature lovers to make use of this convenient and cost-effective tourism service during Shravan, especially as it supports both environmental sustainability and cultural enrichment.
