The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have pledged ₹150 crore and ₹100 crore respectively to bolster the fleet of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) with 500 new buses.
The infusion of funds follows an earlier contribution of ₹230 crore from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) for the same purpose. Officials confirmed that the fresh funding aims to address the chronic shortage of buses in Pune’s public transport system, which has long struggled with overcrowded and insufficient services. The decision reflects a growing focus on expanding public transport as a key strategy for reducing the city’s carbon footprint and enhancing commuter convenience.
According to senior government officials, the new buses are set to be procured from Tata Motors, a homegrown automotive giant headquartered in Pune. The selection of Tata Motors is strategic not only for regional industrial promotion but also for securing competitive pricing and faster delivery timelines. “When Tata Motors supplies buses across India and internationally, it makes perfect sense to procure from them, especially when we are getting favourable rates,” a senior official involved in the decision-making process stated. The planned purchase will include a significant number of electric buses, with officials indicating that the next phase of procurement, targeted with the support of the central government, will focus heavily on battery-powered vehicles. The overarching vision is to induct at least 1,000 new buses into the PMPML fleet over the next cycle, significantly enhancing the city’s mass transit capacity.
The current PMPML fleet is widely considered inadequate for the rapidly growing urban and suburban population of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Civic authorities have acknowledged that although PMPML’s requirement is even greater, the municipal corporations must balance this support with their own infrastructural and service obligations. Transport experts and environmental advocates have welcomed the move, citing public transportation as a pivotal pillar in the transition to low-carbon cities. Expanding the bus fleet, particularly with electric models, is seen as an essential step toward reducing vehicular emissions and promoting equitable access to mobility.
While the funding commitments are firm, civic officials have indicated that disbursal and deployment will be phased, ensuring that operational and maintenance capacities are ramped up alongside the new fleet expansion. As Pune positions itself towards a greener and more inclusive future, investments in efficient and sustainable public transportation infrastructure are crucial. The initiative not only addresses immediate mobility needs but also lays the foundation for a more climate-resilient and equitable urban environment.
