Pune Transit Trials Target Underserved Corridors

Pune: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is preparing to launch a fresh round of trials for electric double-decker buses across selected city corridors that currently lack Metro and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connectivity. The initiative aims to evaluate whether high-capacity electric buses can strengthen public transport options in underserved areas while supporting cleaner and more integrated urban mobility.

The new Pune electric bus trial is scheduled to begin on 21 July, with operational testing planned across ten routes identified for their limited access to existing mass transit infrastructure. Among the shortlisted corridors are Hadapsar–Wagholi and Hadapsar–Swargate, both of which continue to rely primarily on conventional bus services despite growing commuter demand. Transport officials said the revised route selection reflects changes in Pune’s mobility network since the utility’s earlier pilot in Hinjewadi during 2025. The commissioning of Metro Line 3 has significantly altered passenger travel patterns in that corridor, making it less suitable for assessing the independent demand for double-decker bus services. By shifting trials to routes without Metro or BRT coverage, authorities expect to obtain more representative operational and passenger data.

The trial is also intended to address technical and logistical observations recorded during the previous pilot. Officials will evaluate manoeuvrability, passenger boarding patterns, road compatibility, turnaround times, vehicle performance and operational efficiency under typical city traffic conditions. These findings are expected to help determine whether electric double-decker buses can become a practical addition to Pune’s evolving public transport system. A manufacturer experienced in supplying electric double-decker buses for urban transit has agreed to provide one vehicle for the exercise, with technical teams working alongside PMPML personnel throughout the testing period. The collaborative monitoring process will generate performance data covering vehicle reliability, energy efficiency and route suitability, helping planners assess long-term deployment prospects. Urban mobility experts believe the Pune electric bus trial represents a broader shift towards integrating high-capacity, zero-emission vehicles into city transport systems. Electric double-decker buses can increase passenger capacity without requiring additional road space, making them particularly suitable for dense urban corridors where expanding physical infrastructure is challenging. If supported by efficient scheduling and dedicated charging infrastructure, such vehicles could also contribute to reducing transport-related emissions and improving air quality.

The initiative aligns with Pune’s wider efforts to develop a multimodal transport network where buses complement Metro services rather than compete with them. Strengthening feeder and standalone bus corridors is increasingly viewed as essential for providing equitable access to public transport, particularly in neighbourhoods that remain beyond the reach of rail-based systems. Following completion of the trials, PMPML is expected to analyse operational data, passenger feedback and cost implications before taking a decision on larger-scale deployment. The exercise is likely to inform future fleet planning while supporting the city’s long-term objective of building a cleaner, more resilient and inclusive urban transport network.

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Pune Transit Trials Target Underserved Corridors