In a bid to further increase passenger convenience, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has stated that it will add 900 buses to its existing fleet in the next one-and-a-half years.
Siddharth Shirole, director, PMPML, said, “We will be floating a new tender for 900 buses in the next 15 days. We are hopeful that the entire process will be completed in three to four months.”
He further added, “Out of the 900 buses, 500 buses will be electricity-based. The other 400 buses will run on compressed natural gas (CNG). We have completed our initial procedures related to the issuance of tenders.”
“These buses will help tackle pollution and have relatively low operation costs. Maintenance costs of these buses are also low. Considering the heavy rise in vehicular pollution, increasing the number of buses to encourage residents to adopt public transport is the only solution to the issue,” added Shirole.
According to PMPML officials, the electric and CNG buses will be bought after three months, following the completion of the tendering process.
However, raising doubts over the pace at which the proposed project is being implemented, a PMPML official, on terms of anonymity, said, “While PMPML authorities are working on the project in a fast-track manner, a lot will ride on the contractor who will be awarded the tender and their calibre.”
{{/usCountry}}However, raising doubts over the pace at which the proposed project is being implemented, a PMPML official, on terms of anonymity, said, “While PMPML authorities are working on the project in a fast-track manner, a lot will ride on the contractor who will be awarded the tender and their calibre.”
{{/usCountry}}Many a time, contractors who win the tender delay the delivery of buses on time, leaving PMPML with no option, but to wait, said the official cited above.
PMPML will also procure 200 ‘midi’ (mid-sized) buses for its fleet by the end of June. The move comes after a positive response from commuters for the 30 ‘midi’ buses that have been plying on various routes in the city.