Pune: PMPML Delays Bus Purchase Decision

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMP) has delayed its decision to purchase 100 new buses, leaving passengers waiting for a longer period. The decision was expected to be taken in the recent Board of Directors meeting, but it was only discussed and not finalized.

The bus purchase was earlier delayed due to the code of conduct, but now it seems that the passengers will have to wait even longer for the new fleet. The PMP had planned to procure 100 new buses, including 20 double-decker and 80 air-conditioned buses of 12 meters length, to empower public transport and reduce dependence on contractors.

However, the revised proposal to purchase wheelchair-friendly buses was not discussed in the board meeting, leading to the delay. The PMP currently has 2,142 buses in its fleet, with only 1,400 operational daily. To meet the demand of 50 buses per one lakh population, the PMP requires 3,500 buses.

Meanwhile, the PMP has decided to purchase 100 CNG-run buses for the convenience of passengers in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities. Additionally, it plans to lease 200 cars, but this process has also stalled.

The delay in bus purchase has raised concerns about the availability of public transport in the city, especially considering the growing traffic congestion. Passengers will have to continue relying on the existing fleet, which may not be sufficient to meet the demand.

The PMP authorities have not provided a timeline for when the decision on bus purchase will be taken, leaving passengers uncertain about when they can expect the new buses to hit the roads.