PMPML tourism bus routes covering 16 religious, historical and scenic destinations across Pune and nearby areas are now available during the Diwali holiday season at a fixed fare of ₹500 per passenger per route. The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited has announced that the air-conditioned electric bus services will operate every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, with additional trips possible depending on passenger demand and bus availability.
The routes connect major boarding points including Pune Railway Station, Swargate, Hadapsar Gadital, Deccan Gymkhana and Swargate Bus Station with destinations such as Jejuri, Morgaon, Narayanpur, Theur, Alandi, Dehu, Sinhagad, Khadakwasla, Panshet, Lonavala, Karla Caves, Morachi Chincholi, Tulapur and Bhima Koregaon.
Most services will depart at 9am and return between 5pm and 7.30pm. The earliest departure is the Mulshi–Tata Dam–Palse Waterfall route, which leaves at 7.15am and returns at 7.30pm. The route includes Mulshi Shivalaya Temple, boating, Tata Mulshi Dam and Palse Waterfall. The Lonavala–Karla Caves route and several other longer circuits are scheduled to return at 7.30pm.
The 16 circuits combine religious visits with historical and nature-based destinations. They include the Sinhagad–Khadakwasla–Panshet route, the Rajgurunagar–Chakan–Alandi route, the Wagholi–Tulapur–Ranjangaon–Morachi Chincholi route, and services covering Sarasbaug, Tambdi Jogeshwari and Chatushrungi temples. The Lonavala–Karla Caves service covers Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla Caves, Bhushi Dam, a wax museum and a meditation centre.
PMPML has clarified that passengers on the Karla Caves and Bhushi Dam section will need to arrange private vehicles at their own expense to visit the specified destinations. This means the bus service provides the inter-city and circuit connection but does not cover every local transfer within that section.
Passengers can book tickets at eight PMPML pass centres: Deccan Gymkhana, Pune Railway Station, Swargate, Katraj, Hadapsar Gadital, Bhosari Bus Station, Nigdi and the PMC Building. Enquiries can be made through the PMPML Central Pass Department at 020-24503236.
A group booking facility is also available. If all 33 seats on a bus are reserved together, the group will receive a discount equivalent to the ticket cost of five passengers. Full-bus bookings may also be arranged on other days, subject to demand.
PMPML has added that passengers can use their tourism bus ticket on the day of travel for their onward journey from home to the designated boarding point through other PMPML routes. The same facility will apply to the return journey from the final drop-off point to their residence. A guide will be appointed on each tourism bus to provide information and assistance at the destinations.
If a service is cancelled because of insufficient passenger response or unavoidable circumstances, passengers who have already booked will be allowed to travel on the following Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, according to PMPML.
