The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has decided to revive the double-decker electric bus project, nearly eight months after conducting trial runs and placing the proposal on hold. PMPML CMD Mahesh Awhad confirmed that the process will begin afresh, including the identification of suitable routes for the buses.
Project Revival and Route Assessment
Awhad stated that the project was never shelved and work has been continuing. He said, “We will soon begin an exercise to finalise the routes on which these buses can operate. Unlike regular buses, double-deckers require additional assessments, including checks for trees, overhead cables, subways and other infrastructure-related constraints. We expect some of these buses to start operating in Pune by the end of this year.”
In September last year, PMPML conducted a month-long trial of a double-decker bus on select routes across the city. Officials had then announced plans to deploy 25 double-decker buses on eight routes by early 2026. However, the transport body later put the proposal on hold, citing the need for additional studies.
Earlier Route Shortlist and Feasibility Work
In January this year, former PMPML CMD Pankaj Deore, who was transferred in March, had maintained that the project was on track and that route planning was underway in coordination with the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations to ensure operational safety. The routes shortlisted during the earlier exercise included:
- Hinjewadi Phase III–Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk–Hinjewadi Phase III
- Ramwadi Metro station–International Tech Park in Kharadi
- Pune railway station–Lohegaon airport via Vimannagar
- Kalyaninagar Metro station–Magarpatta IT Park
- Hinjewadi Phase III–Chinchwadgaon and back
- Swargate–Alandi
- Alandi–Dehu Road
Commuter Concerns Over Repeated Groundwork
The decision to repeat route surveys and feasibility assessments has raised questions among commuters, particularly because a significant portion of the groundwork had already been completed during last year’s trial. Animesh Burse, an IT professional and regular PMPML commuter from Hinjewadi, said, “We saw the double-decker bus being tested extensively across the city last year. PMPML had even fixed a fare of Rs 100 for rides during the trial period. If the routes were already identified and feasibility checks carried out, why repeat the entire exercise? It will only result in additional expenditure of public money. The authorities should build on the work already completed and move ahead with implementation.”
Technical Specifications and Cost
The trial bus, brought from Chennai, had a seating capacity of 65 passengers and could accommodate up to 85 commuters. It was capable of covering around 150km on a single charge and measured 4.75 metres in height and 9.5 metres in length. Each bus is estimated to cost around Rs 2 crore.
Nishant Patdar, an IT professional from Kharadi, said, “There is definitely a need for double-decker buses in Pune. The city has operated such buses in the past, and they can become an attraction while also improving public transport capacity. But the authorities need to move faster. Repeating groundwork that has already been completed serves little purpose.”
PMP Pravasi Manch activist and regular bus commuter Sanjay Shitole said the decision to repeat the exercise raised questions about PMPML’s commitment to introducing the buses.
