Electric Double-Decker Buses Return to Pune: PMPML Begins Trials on July 21
Electric Double-Decker Buses Return to Pune: PMPML Begins Trials on July 21
Pune: Pune residents may soon get to travel in electric double-decker buses as the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is set to begin trial runs from July 21. The buses will be tested on 10 routes across the city, mainly in areas that do not have Metro or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connectivity.
The trial aims to determine whether the double-decker buses can operate efficiently on Pune’s roads. During the exercise, officials will assess several factors, including road width, turning radius, flyovers, overhead power lines, tree branches, and traffic conditions to ensure the buses can be introduced safely.
Among the routes selected for the trial are Hadapsar–Wagholi and Hadapsar–Swargate. The remaining routes have also been chosen based on the absence of Metro and BRT services, where high-capacity buses could help improve public transport.
PMPML had conducted a similar trial a few months ago. However, the transport body has now decided to carry out fresh tests to evaluate route feasibility before taking a final call on introducing the electric double-decker buses into regular service.
If the trials are successful, the buses could provide a higher passenger-carrying capacity while promoting eco-friendly public transport in Pune. The return of double-decker buses has also generated excitement among commuters, many of whom remember the iconic buses that once operated in the city.
