Pune, 21st October 2026: Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed officials to upgrade Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus depots and strengthen their infrastructure ahead of a major fleet expansion. The transport undertaking is expected to receive 2,500 new buses over the next year.
PMPML currently operates around 1,900 buses and carries approximately 11–12 lakh passengers daily. A shortage of operational buses and frequent breakdowns have contributed to overcrowding, highlighting the need to strengthen public transport and reduce traffic congestion.
The planned expansion includes 1,000 CNG buses financed through a combined allocation of ₹750 crore from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (₹500 crore), Pune Municipal Corporation (₹150 crore) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (₹100 crore). Another 1,000 CNG buses are expected under the Centre's e-Drive scheme.
PMPML's existing depots face a shortage of space for bus repairs and maintenance. Limited parking facilities also force buses to remain on roads overnight, raising safety concerns.
A meeting was held at Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on October 19 to discuss depot improvements. PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Mahesh Awhad and civic officials attended the meeting.
Ram said around 1,000 buses are expected to join the fleet by the end of March, followed by another 1,500 over the next year. He stressed that depot infrastructure must be upgraded before the new buses arrive.
The proposed works include improving electricity supply, asphalt surfacing within depots, constructing boundary walls and providing adequate facilities for bus parking and repairs. These upgrades are intended to help PMPML accommodate its expanded fleet and improve maintenance operations.