Pune: PMPML To Add 600 Electric Buses In Its Fleet, 150 E-buses To Come First Phase
Mehab Qureshi
Pune, December 30, 2020: Considering the rise in pollution and transportation problems faced by commuters, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has introduced the scheme ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles-2’ wherein PMPML has sought help from the Central Government to arrange 600 e-buses under contract.
In the first phase, the central government has procured 150 buses out of the 600 demanded. However, PMPML is running short of funds and has sought help from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Mayor Murlidhar Mohol confirmed helping PMPML with RS 350 crores for this contract.
According to the contract, it has been decided that for these buses PMC will also provide space for depots and charging centers to the concerned contractors but PMPML will bear the cost of the electricity bill.
These buses will be leased for a 12-year contract at Rs 64 per km and in this regard, a joint press conference was held today by MP Girish Bapat, Mayor Mulidhar Mohol, Standing Committee Chairman Hemant Rasne, PMPML Director Shankar Pawar, PMPML CMD Rajendra Jagtap.
Bapat said that the reason for the loss of PMPML is due to increasing population, poor transport system, and increase in fuel prices. “The number of electric buses will be increased for the betterment of transportation of citizens”. he said.
It has been decided that the central government will provide Rs 55 lakh for each bus, and 150 buses will come in the first phase. “All buses will be operated on a contract basis and this will provide pollution-free bus service”, added Bapat.
