Pune : E-Bus Service On Sinhagad Fort May Resume Soon, PMPML Holds Joint Meeting With Forest Dept
By: Pune Pulse
June 13, 2023
Pune: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has now decided to resume the electric bus (E-bus) service at Sinhagad Fort as many visitors will visit the fort during monsoon. The PMPML held a joint meeting with the forest officials recently.
It is worthy to note that the E-bus service was launched in 2022. In just 15 days, it became very popular among people. However, due to some safety issues, the service was temporarily discontinued.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Pradip Sankpal, Range Forest Officer, Pune Forest Range said, “A proper survey will be carried out first before resuming the E- bus service. Requirement of forest land will also be ascertained. Only after the survey, a decision regarding the E-bus service can be taken.”
During the meeting, it was discussed conducting trials of the E-buses, repairing the ghat section, a security review of the ghat in collaboration with the forest division and other government offices & many more. Moreover, PMPML plans to include 7 mid-size e-buses.
Om Prakash Bakoria, Chairman and Managing Director, PMPML, said “A survey & review will be conducted soon by the teams of PMPML & forest department officials in which essential points such as civil work, removal or reduction in the lengths of gradients at various places, deciding the length of the bus as, last year when it was initially launched, was 9 meters. However, we are planning to make the new buses of 7 meters length. Many more points there. In addition to all, charging stations are also being planned at various spots en route to the fort. So, how many charging stations can be allowed, how to execute & plan the creation of charging stations etc., will be decided. After the detailed surveys are prepared by both the teams, another meeting will take place where all the points would be discussed & assessed after which the launching date of the e-bus service will also be decided soon.”
Shreyas Vange
