PMPML to launch 25 AC e-buses on Jan 26

PUNE: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is all set to launch 25 air-conditioned electric buses on January 26. The authority is also planning to get Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for launching the environment-friendly buses. These buses will operate on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Bhekrai Nagar to Nigdi route.

“Increasing frequency of PMPML buses along with its efficiency has always been our priority. To encourage the use of public transport, we will induct 25 new buses on January 26 in the first phase. In the next two phases, all 1,000 buses will be inducted. The process for the second phase will start from April and then in September for the third phase,” said Siddharth Shirole, Director, PMPML.

“Within a few days, we will meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and will request him to launch these buses,” he said.

“These buses will be 9 metres in length and will operate on Bhekrai Nagar to Nigdi route. PMPML will provide electricity for charging batteries and space for charging station. The company, Olectra Greentech will provide drivers and PMPML will give conductors. Employees’ salaries, maintenance and charging station infrastructure will be provided by the company,” said Shirole.

With the induction of these 1,000 new buses, the total fleet strength of PMPML will increase to 2,450 which is now 1,450 buses. Meanwhile, Shirole ruled out any possibilities of a fare hike proposed by the administration earlier.