E-Paper
Double-decker bus project in Pune back under review
newly appointed PMPML chairman and managing director, Mahesh Awhad, has directed officials to submit a detailed report assessing the feasibility of operating double-decker buses in the city.
Pune - The long-pending plan to introduce double-decker buses in Pune has once again come under scrutiny, with the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) initiating a fresh review before taking a final decision. The project, which had earlier generated significant interest among commuters, progressed to trial runs and route identification but failed to move forward, remaining stalled for several years. Now, the newly appointed PMPML chairman and managing director, Mahesh Awhad, has directed officials to submit a detailed report assessing the feasibility of operating double-decker buses in the city.
The review will focus on key operational and infrastructural aspects such as road width, traffic congestion, turning radius, overhead obstacles, passenger demand, and overall cost-effectiveness. The administration has made it clear that the project will only proceed after a thorough evaluation confirms its practicality and long-term benefits for Pune’s public transport system.
“We are not in a hurry to implement the double-decker bus project without thoroughly understanding its long-term viability for Pune. While the idea offers clear advantages in terms of higher passenger capacity and environmentally friendly transport, it is equally important to assess whether our existing road infrastructure, traffic conditions, and operational logistics can support such buses efficiently. I have asked our officials to prepare a detailed feasibility and review report covering all aspects, including route suitability, safety concerns, passenger demand, and maintenance requirements. Only after carefully examining this report and ensuring that the system will genuinely benefit commuters without creating additional challenges will we take a final decision on moving forward with the project,” said Awhad.
Notably, discussions around introducing double-decker buses in Pune date back to May 2022, yet the project has not taken off even after several years. At that time, PMPML had initiated the process to procure and operate such buses and had even identified around 40 routes across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. In a December 2022 meeting, then CMD Om Prakash Bakoria instructed officials to coordinate with Mumbai’s BEST undertaking and study the feasibility of operating double-decker buses on selected routes. Areas such as Hadapsar, Katraj, and Karve Road were among those where commuters were expected to benefit within a few months. The proposal was driven by increasing passenger demand, particularly during peak hours when buses often run overcrowded. However, despite these early plans and expectations, the project has remained on paper and is yet to be implemented.
From mid last year, PMPML took concrete steps toward introducing 25 electric double-decker buses on a rental basis as part of efforts to boost capacity and promote sustainable mobility under the leadership of the last CMD Pankaj Deore. The proposal received approval from the Board of Directors, and a tender process was initiated. In September 2025, PMPML conducted a 10-day trial run across major corridors such as Hinjewadi, Bhosari, Koregaon Park, and Viman Nagar to evaluate performance under real-world conditions. A three-member expert committee was also appointed to study battery efficiency, durability, and suitability for Pune’s traffic and terrain. The committee reportedly submitted a positive report, encouraging the administration to move ahead at the time.
The proposed electric double-decker buses are fully air-conditioned and designed to carry a larger number of passengers, making them suitable for high-demand routes. PMPML had identified several key routes, including Hinjewadi Phase 3 (circular), Ramwadi Metro Station–Kharadi, Magarpatta City–Kalyani Nagar Metro Station, Pune Railway Station–Lohgaon Airport, Dehu–Alandi, and Chinchwad–Hinjewadi. Officials had also indicated that more routes could be added based on demand once operations begin.
Despite the potential benefits, the project has drawn mixed reactions from citizens, particularly due to concerns about Pune’s congested roads and infrastructural limitations. “I don’t think double-decker buses are practical for Pune’s roads. Many areas have low-hanging cables, narrow lanes, and frequent traffic bottlenecks. Instead of solving congestion, these buses might end up worsening it,” said Manan Khaladkar a daily commuter.
