Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has launched new bus routes within the Chakan MIDC. The expansion of the city’s public transport network is set to benefit thousands of workers and students commuting daily to this manufacturing hub, which had long been deprived of reliable public mobility infrastructure.
This initiative, flagged off near NTB International Limited, marks a significant milestone for the Federation of Chakan Industries (FCI), which has actively lobbied for improved public transit access over the past several years. Officials from PMPML and FCI described the launch as a long-awaited breakthrough that will help reduce the region’s dependency on private transport, lower accident risks, and alleviate traffic bottlenecks. According to transport officials, the new services include two key circular routes that cover high-demand zones across the Chakan industrial area. Buses will operate at a 30-minute frequency, providing dependable connectivity to major junctions and prominent industrial units. The initiative also underscores PMPML’s commitment to inclusive urban mobility with the deployment of women conductors to ensure safer commuting experiences for female passengers.
Urban mobility experts note that the lack of accessible and affordable transport in industrial areas like Chakan has often led to unsafe commuting practices, with workers forced to rely on overcrowded shared vehicles or expensive private alternatives. By addressing this gap, the circular service is expected to bolster worker productivity, streamline shift timings, and reduce vehicular emissions in line with Pune’s climate and sustainability targets. The introduction of these routes also reflects a broader shift towards strengthening multi-nodal transport systems in the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR). Civic planners believe that targeted transport solutions for economic clusters will not only improve commuting standards but also unlock new opportunities for green mobility interventions, such as electric buses and smart fare systems, in future rollouts.
While the city’s previous efforts to expand PMPML services in peripheral industrial areas had seen mixed results due to logistical and administrative bottlenecks, the Chakan launch demonstrates how consistent collaboration between civic agencies and industry stakeholders can deliver meaningful outcomes. Authorities have also indicated that service improvements in adjacent regions like Moshi, Kurli, and Mahalunge are under consideration, depending on ridership data and feedback. Transport officials confirmed that the Chakan routes are part of PMPML’s broader agenda to decongest arterial roads and promote equitable mobility across demographic and economic strata. With Chakan home to several multinational manufacturing units, seamless public transport access is also expected to enhance its appeal for future industrial investment.
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