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Pune's public transport system received a major boost with the opening of two new electric bus depots at Charholi and Man. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar led the inauguration, and the event started with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This step shows Pune's strong commitment to building a better and greener transport system for the future.
New Buses to Strengthen Public Transport
During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced the addition of 1,500 new buses to Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML). This move is expected to make daily commuting much easier for the people of Pune and visitors. The plan includes a mix of 500 CNG buses and 1,000 electric buses, highlighting a big step towards cleaner and greener public transport in Maharashtra.
Green Maharashtra Vision
The Charholi and Man depots will host 60 and 30 electric buses respectively, which have been acquired under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. To support the project, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has allocated Rs 230 crore for 500 CNG buses. Additionally, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body are each contributing Rs 150 crore. The upcoming addition of 500 electric buses further strengthens the goal of a 'Green Maharashtra,' aiming to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
Better Roads and Metro Expansion
Along with new buses, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar spoke about other big projects to improve city travel. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is working on an outer ring road, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will soon start work on an inner ring road. Metro lines like Swargate-Katraj and Khadakwasla-Hadapsar-Kharadi are also planned, showing a complete vision for better city transport.
Growing the PMPML Network
Today, PMPML runs 1,967 buses that cover 3.1 lakh kilometres every day and serve around 12.5 lakh passengers. With the opening of the Charholi and Man depots, the total number of bus depots has now reached 17. Deepa Mudhol-Munde, Managing Director of PMPML, shared this information and said that more efforts will be made to improve bus services even further.
Focus on Digital and Smart Transport
PMPML has also won two national awards for its smart digital initiatives. Their mobile app is widely used, and soon, they plan to launch smart buses without conductors, fitted with artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure safer and accident-free travel.
With these major developments, Pune is taking strong steps towards a future with better, greener, and smarter public transport for all.
