Pune: PMPML To Enhance Fleet With 400 New Buses, Emphasis On CNG For Improved Services
Pune, 28th November 2023: In a strategic move aimed at addressing the growing transportation needs of the city, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has greenlit the acquisition of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, with an additional 300 buses to be leased. The decision, reached during a recent board of directors meeting, is part of PMPML’s efforts to bolster its fleet and enhance passenger services.
The plan encompasses 300 CNG buses and 100 electric buses, all measuring 12 meters in length. The initiative comes as a response to the current shortfall of buses compared to the increasing number of passengers, making the infusion of new vehicles imperative for the efficient operation of PMPML services.
The tender process for the acquisition and leasing of these buses is set to kick off this week, marking a significant step forward in PMPML’s efforts to modernize its fleet. However, while the introduction of CNG buses is expected to commence within three months, the rollout of electric buses may face delays.
Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director of PMPML, expressed the rationale behind the emphasis on CNG, stating that the lower operational costs of CNG compared to electric vehicles played a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Presently, PMPML operates 981 buses, while an additional 1,098 buses are provided by seven contractors.
With the addition of 400 new buses, including 300 CNG and 100 electric buses, PMPML aims to significantly improve its services, catering to the needs of an estimated two lakh passengers daily. Each CNG bus is expected to transport an average of 730 passengers per day, contributing to a substantial increase in passenger capacity.
