Pune: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has taken a significant step to improve public transport services by issuing a work order for 200 new CNG buses. These buses will be owned by PMPML, and their prototype is expected to be ready within a month. The final delivery of the buses is scheduled for March 2025.

The PMPML fleet is set to receive a total of 400 CNG buses, of which 200 will be owned by PMPML and the remaining 200 will operate on a rental basis. The first phase will see the deployment of the owned buses. This expansion aims to address the operational inefficiencies and disruptions currently affecting daily commuters.

Despite having a fleet of 2,100 buses, only 1,650 are operational daily. Of these, nearly 45 buses break down each day, further straining the system. Additionally, a significant portion of the fleet comprises buses that have surpassed their operational lifespan, impacting the quality of service. The addition of 400 new buses is expected to resolve these challenges and enhance passenger convenience.

The new buses will be deployed on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and other high-demand routes in Pune. Although the BRT network has shrunk, the number of buses operating on these routes will increase, catering to the growing needs of commuters.

A single CNG bus currently transports an average of 730 passengers daily. With the arrival of 400 new buses, PMPML’s daily passenger capacity is expected to increase to 2.92 lakh. This development is anticipated to reduce overcrowding and eliminate standing travel for passengers.

“We have issued the work order for 200 buses. After the prototype and chassis inspections, production will commence, and we aim to integrate the buses into the PMPML fleet by March 2025,” stated Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML.