Pune: PMPML Set To Procure 100 Electric Buses Including 20 Double-Deckers Like Those In London

Pune, 16th July 2024: Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited’s (PMPML) process of procuring double-decker buses has finally resumed after a deadlock of one and a half years. The tender process will start next week, and 100 electric buses, including 20 double-deckers, will be procured.

The decision to purchase the buses was made in December 2022 when Om Prakash Bakoria was the chairman. It was also approved by the Board of Directors of PMPML. However, the process stalled soon after. It is likely to take at least another six months for the buses to start operating.

Considering the rush of passengers, it was decided to start a double-decker bus service. Twenty buses will be procured in the first phase, and these buses will not run on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.

An electric bus costs only Rs 6 to run one kilometre. However, for an electric bus owned by a contractor, the cost is Rs 50 to 60 per kilometre. Therefore, the PMPML administration has decided to purchase its buses. For this, PMPML will take loans from banks. Additionally, financial assistance will be sought from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

Features of the New Double-Decker Buses

– Two staircases (the old buses had only one staircase)
– Electric and air-conditioned
– Comfortable ride due to good suspension
– Digital ticket facility
– Appearance similar to buses running in London
– High passenger capacity: seating for up to 70, standing for 40
– Total capacity: over 100 passengers at a time, reducing the need for more buses or trips
– Bus height: 14 feet 4 inches, allowing it to pass under metro stations without issue

Earlier, the PMPML fleet consisted of Semi-Low-Floor (SLF) type double-decker buses, which incurred high maintenance costs. The new electric buses will have lower maintenance costs.

Bus Procurement and Operational Statistics

– Cost per bus: Rs. 2 crores
– Total number of buses: 1650
– Daily passengers: 12 lakhs (average)
– Passenger income: Rs. 1.5 crores (approximate)
– Daily travel: 3.6 lakh kilometres
– Total routes: 370
– Total bus stops: 4,300

Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML, said, “PMPML will procure 100 buses, including 20 double-deckers. The tender process will start next week and is likely to take at least four months.”