Pune to Scrap 350 Buses, Add 1,600 New Ones
Pune’s public transport system is set for a transformative upgrade, with the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) announcing the phased scrapping of 350 ageing buses while simultaneously expanding its fleet with 1,600 to 1,700 new vehicles. This strategic move aims to bridge the existing demand-supply gap, as the current fleet of 1,800 buses falls significantly short of the estimated requirement of 3,500 to cater to Pune’s rapidly growing population. Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director of PMPML, reassured commuters that this transition will be executed seamlessly to prevent service disruptions. A mix of self-owned and leased buses will be introduced to enhance passenger convenience, modernise urban mobility, and improve the city’s public transport infrastructure.
To support this expansion, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced a ₹500 crore financial allocation for the purchase of 1,000 new CNG buses, reinforcing the city’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable transit solutions. Of this, ₹250 crore will be contributed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), ₹150 crore by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and ₹100 crore by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Currently, PMPML operates 381 routes with approximately 20,112 scheduled rounds daily, serving nearly 13 lakh passengers. Despite its challenges, the public transport body has witnessed a surge in digital adoption, with the ‘Aapli PMPML’ app surpassing 6 lakh downloads and generating ₹20 lakh in daily revenue.
From a civic perspective, the revamp of Pune’s bus network is imperative to tackle mounting traffic congestion and rising pollution levels. The city has seen an exponential increase in private vehicle registrations, intensifying road congestion and lengthening commute times. Strengthening the PMPML network with a larger and more reliable fleet is expected to encourage greater adoption of public transport, alleviating pressure on Pune’s overburdened roads. Commuters have long demanded an efficient and well-connected bus network, with many expressing concerns over inadequate service frequency, overloading, and outdated vehicles. A passenger who regularly commutes from Hadapsar to Shivajinagar shared, “The existing buses are often overcrowded, and delays make daily travel stressful. If the new buses improve punctuality and comfort, more people will opt for public transport.”
On the sustainability front, the addition of CNG-powered buses is a crucial step towards reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Public transport, when optimised, plays a pivotal role in minimising vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. With Pune grappling with worsening air quality, investing in eco-friendly transit solutions aligns with broader urban sustainability goals. Industry experts suggest that beyond increasing fleet numbers, authorities must focus on route optimisation, last-mile connectivity, and improved bus maintenance to maximise the long-term impact of these investments. If implemented effectively, this initiative could set a benchmark for sustainable urban transit across Indian metropolitan regions.
