Pune: PMPML To Introduce 400 New CNG Buses, Scrap 327 Old Ones
Pune: PMPML Launches Training Program For 3,000 Drivers To Tackle Traffic Violations, Focus On Mental Health
In a bid to upgrade its fleet and improve services, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will introduce 400 new CNG buses by January 2025. Simultaneously, the transport body will scrap 327 old buses that have completed their lifespan.
Nitin Narvekar, joint managing director, PMPML, said that the new buses will be added to the fleet in a phased manner to ensure that there is no disruption in services. “We will scrap the old buses phase-wise, and at the same time, we will introduce new buses to maintain our fleet strength,” he said.
Currently, the PMPML fleet consists of around 2,000 buses, including 1,005 owned by the transport body and 950 contract buses operated by four different contractors. The buses ply on various routes in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Pune rural areas.
The PMPML has already withdrawn 233 buses from service after the contracts of two of its contractors ended in July this year. Additionally, 60 buses that completed 12 years of service in June this year have also been withdrawn.
Commuters have welcomed the move to introduce new buses, but have also demanded improved frequency of services. Susmita Patel, a regular commuter, said, “The frequency of buses on certain routes is very low, and we have to wait for over half an hour during peak hours. The PMPML should increase the number of buses to improve the frequency of services.”
