+
Pune Launches Trial of Double-Decker Electric Buses
ECONOMY & POLICY

Pune Launches Trial of Double-Decker Electric Buses

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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code