The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has decided to include 25% CNG (compressed natural gas) buses at electric bus (e-bus) depots as some of the e-buses have aged and charging issues have led to delays in afternoon trips and even sudden cancellations, causing inconvenience to passengers. To begin with, PMPML has decided to include 25% CNG buses at its Bhekrainagar e-depot, incorporating newly inducted CNG buses. Subsequently, 25% CNG buses will be introduced at the Baner and Nigdi e-depots as well.
Currently, PMPML operates five e-depots namely Pune railway station, Bhekrainagar, Wagholi, Baner and Nigdi from where 490 e-buses are operated. Going forward, 25% CNG buses will be included at these e-depots to ensure smooth operations.
PMPML chairman and managing director (CMD) Deepa Mudhol-Munde said, “In the first phase, PMPML has added 25% CNG buses at the Bhekrainagar e-depot, incorporating newly acquired CNG buses. Soon, 25% CNG buses will also be introduced at the Baner and Nigdi e-depots, followed by other e-depots in a phased manner. This move aims to ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced in the event the e-buses break down.”
Commuters have welcomed this decision, as Prajakta Joshi, a regular passenger, said, “The frequent cancellation of e-buses is frustrating. Adding CNG buses will hopefully reduce our daily travel hassles.”
While another commuter Santosh Kirane said, “Charging delays often leave us stranded for long hours. Having alternative CNG buses at the depots is a much-needed solution.”
{{/usCountry}}While another commuter Santosh Kirane said, “Charging delays often leave us stranded for long hours. Having alternative CNG buses at the depots is a much-needed solution.”
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, PMPML’s e-depots at Hinjewadi Phase 2 and Charholi, equipped with charging points, are now complete and set to begin operations soon. Preparations for the inauguration of these e-depots are underway, which will increase the total number of PMPML’s e-depots to seven.