Expansion Plans Unveiled
Joint Managing Director (JMD) Nitin Narvekar shared insights into the ambitious expansion plan. Out of the 1,600 buses, 600 will operate on CNG, while 1,000 will be electric. “Two hundred buses will be owned by PMPML and 400 by private contractors. The remaining 1,000 electric buses are part of a central government scheme announced by Union Minister and MP Muralidhar Mohol,” he explained.Narvekar noted that a proposal to acquire these electric buses has been submitted to the Central Government, although no deadline has been set for their addition. He confirmed that nearly 600 CNG buses are expected to join the fleet by March 2025.Currently, PMPML operates around 1,700 buses daily, which includes 490 electric buses, 175 diesel buses, and the rest running on CNG.
Commercial Development Initiatives
In addition to the fleet expansion, PMPML plans to develop its depots at Nigdi and Sutarwadi commercially. Narvekar elaborated that the initiative aims to generate revenue through the commercial utilization of these lands. “This involves redeveloping these areas to include facilities or infrastructure that can support revenue generation,” he said, noting that the project is still in its early stages and aims for completion within 2025.
Enhancements to the Mobile App
Discussing the PMPML mobile app, ‘Apli PMPML,’ which launched in August, Narvekar mentioned that it has already been downloaded by 600,000 users and generates approximately Rs 16 lakh daily. “To increase its reach, we plan to launch it on iPhone (iOS) soon, which will take a couple of months to implement,” he added.
Focus on Safety Measures
Addressing safety measures following a fire incident involving a PMPML bus earlier this year, Narvekar emphasized the role of preventive technology and driver training. “We have installed smoke and heat motion sensors and are collaborating with the Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRT) to provide specialized training to our drivers. They will be trained to handle emergencies and effectively use upgraded bus technology,” he stated.Narvekar concluded that these expansions and upgrades aim to make Pune’s public transport system more eco-friendly, efficient, and commuter-friendly, in response to the city’s growing demand.
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