Pune : PMPML to include 500 CNG buses till June 2024
Pune : PMPML requests for space for 9 depots to PMRDA ( Representational Image )
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has decided to introduce 500 more buses of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by June 2024.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ramesh Chavan, Chief Engineer, PMPML said, “Out of the 500 CNG buses, 400 will be contract-based & remaining 100 buses will be owned by the PMPML. These buses are being introduced as the contract of 266 old CNG buses is ending at the end of 2024. The contract for a total of 592 buses, which are of CNG & other fuels, will expire this year. With the inclusion of the new 500 CNG buses till June 2024, 92 more buses would be required which will get included in the PMPML soon.”
As per information, the total number of buses of the PMPML will rise to 1,081 self-owned buses and 1,498 contractor-owned buses with the addition of these new vehicles. However, commuters have voiced their worries, claiming that the transportation authority’s reliance on private contractors may grow as a result of the introduction of new buses. The decision, according to commuters, benefits only the operators.
In response, a senior PMPML official said that among transportation undertakings, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is often seen, which lowers the capital cost for the transport body. They maintain control over running costs while minimizing their capital investment with the Gross Cost Contract Model.
Shreyas Vange
