Pune: PMPML To Add 400 New CNG Buses To Fleet By February 2025

Pune, 10th December 2024: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), in collaboration with the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), has approved the production of a new fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses after inspecting a prototype. Production is set to begin soon, with 400 CNG buses expected to join the PMPML fleet by February 2025.

The addition of these buses is expected to enhance public transport and accommodate around three lakh daily passengers. The PMPML board had previously delayed the purchase due to the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections, but the process has now gained momentum.

The new CNG buses will be designed for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes but will also serve non-BRT routes. Passengers will benefit from an improved travel experience, as these buses will feature seating arrangements aligned with BRT station layouts.

Currently, PMPML operates a fleet of 2,100 buses, out of which only 1,650 are in service, with approximately 45 buses breaking down daily. Many of the buses have also reached the end of their service life, affecting passenger services. The introduction of new buses is expected to alleviate these challenges and significantly improve public transportation.

Joint Managing Director of PMPML, Nitin Narvekar, stated, “In the first phase, 400 leased buses will be introduced, followed by 200 self-owned buses in the second phase. Both fleets will run on CNG, and this addition will help improve PMPML’s passenger service.”