The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) on Tuesday commenced an eight-day trial of double-decker buses on select routes in Pune. If successful, 10 such electric, air-conditioned buses, provided by Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, will be added to the PMPML fleet after Diwali.

Pankaj Deore, chairman and managing director of PMPML, told The Indian Express, “We have finalised four routes and have begun the trial runs. These routes are in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) areas such as Hinjewadi and Magarpatta. The buses require roads free from trees and overhead cables. The trial will run during peak hours over the next eight days.”

Initially, 10 buses will join the fleet, with future additions dependent on ridership and revenue performance. Each bus takes two hours to charge and covers 150 kilometres on a single charge. The vehicles feature modern amenities including CCTV cameras, a seating capacity of 65, and standing space for 20 passengers.

The concept of double-decker buses in Pune was first proposed in 2022, when PMPML planned consultations with Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST).

The initiative comes amid PMPML’s ongoing fleet challenges. According to the city’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan developed by Maha Metro, Pune requires over 6,000 buses. Currently, the organisation operates fewer than 2,000, resulting in overcrowding and stagnant ridership. Only a limited number of buses have been added at irregular intervals, largely replacing retiring vehicles.