Pimpri-Chinchwad Becomes First City In Maharashtra to Pilot E-Transit System
Pune Metro To Add 15 New Trains, 45 Coaches As Ridership Surges
Pimpri-Chinchwad, April 17, 2025: In a major step towards sustainable urban mobility, the Maharashtra government has selected Pimpri-Chinchwad as the first city to trial an innovative e-transit transport system. If the pilot proves successful, the initiative is expected to be expanded to 10 other cities across the state.
The e-transit system is being introduced as a modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to complement existing metro and BRT corridors. Swiss-based firm HESS-AG has been appointed to conduct a detailed feasibility study and submit its findings to the government.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of evaluating the economic viability and environmental benefits of the project. “E-transit could become a vital part of Maharashtra’s urban transport network, provided it proves efficient and economical,” he said.
The pilot will function under the proposed High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) framework, aimed at integrating various modes of urban transit into a seamless system.
Should the model prove feasible, cities such as Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Amravati, and Baramati are among those shortlisted for future implementation.
With urban areas in Maharashtra facing growing traffic congestion and population pressure, the government sees e-transit as a progressive and complementary solution to the ongoing metro rail developments.
A final decision on state-wide rollout will be made after the results of the Pimpri-Chinchwad pilot are thoroughly reviewed.
