The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have committed ₹250 crore for the procurement of 500 new PMPML buses. The move is part of a broader initiative to address the growing demand for efficient and reliable public transport in Pune and its rapidly expanding suburbs. The buses are likely to be sourced from Tata Motors, leveraging local manufacturing for cost efficiency.
Additionally, plans are underway to introduce 500 more electric buses with central government support, bringing the total to 1,000 new buses in the near future. This dual focus on CNG and electric buses aligns with Pune’s sustainability goals and the national push for greener urban mobility.
Over 13 lakh people rely on PMPML buses daily, but the current fleet-hovering around 1,900 to 2,000 buses-falls short of the city’s needs. Studies suggest Pune requires at least 4,500 to 6,000 buses to meet optimal service standards. Many older buses are being phased out, with 327 set for scrapping and contracts with some private operators expiring, making new additions crucial to maintain and expand service. The growing Pune Metro network is increasing demand for last-mile connectivity, further emphasizing the need for a larger, more modern bus fleet.
₹150 crore from PMC and ₹100 crore from PCMC will fund the first 500 buses. The next 500, primarily electric buses, are expected to be funded with help from central government schemes aimed at promoting clean urban transport. The first batch of new CNG buses is expected to hit the roads by early 2025, with electric buses joining the fleet later in the year.
The new buses will help reduce waiting times, especially on high-demand and underserved routes, and enhance connectivity to metro stations and outlying areas. With a significant portion of the new fleet being electric or CNG-powered, Pune will see a reduction in emissions and a step forward in its fight against air pollution. Many of the new buses will be equipped with features tailored for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, including better seating, accessibility, and digital ticketing. Improved public transport supports local businesses, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances the overall quality of urban life.
Despite the expansion, Pune will still need thousands more buses to reach international standards for public transport coverage and frequency. The city’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan calls for a fleet of 8,000 buses by 2034 and 15,000 by 2054. Alongside adding buses, PMPML must also invest in new depots, better maintenance, and route rationalization to ensure the system’s long-term success.