The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to allot reserved plots within city limits for constructing bus depots, as its expanding fleet faces a severe shortage of parking and maintenance space.

In a formal communication, PMPML stated that if the reserved lands are handed over promptly, the transport body can develop modern depots equipped with fuelling stations, e-bus charging facilities, and maintenance infrastructure. Failure to secure these spaces, the agency warned, would make managing the growing fleet increasingly difficult, leading to service delays and disruptions for commuters.

A senior PMPML official said, “Our bus fleet is expanding rapidly to meet passenger demand. However, without proper depot facilities, the efficiency and quality of service will be severely affected. We have appealed to both municipal corporations to urgently allocate the reserved spaces.”

At present, PMPML operates around 2,200 buses, with plans to add another 2,400 vehicles in the coming years. The first phase includes the induction of 1,000 new CNG buses and 300 electric buses, followed by additional vehicles under government-supported schemes. While the expansion will help meet Pune’s rising demand for sustainable public transport, it has created an immediate challenge of parking and depot management.

Officials noted that although the development plans (DPs) of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad earmark several plots for bus depots, many have been encroached upon, diverted for other purposes, or remain unused. The PMPML has requested both civic bodies to take decisive action and release the reserved lands to ensure smooth fleet operations and prevent logistical bottlenecks.

The transport body’s request aligns with its modernisation and expansion drive, which includes plans for eco-friendly bus infrastructure, improved fleet management systems, and enhanced service reliability for daily commuters across the Pune Metropolitan Region.