Double-decker e-buses to ply on Pune roads

Pune: Double-decker e-buses will be added to the PMPML fleet soon to make Puneites’ inter-city travel comfortable and easy. A proposal in this regard was passed in the Board of Directors (BoD) meeting recently. According to the proposal, 20 double-decker e-buses will be purchased, said PMPML Joint MD Nitin Narvekar.

The double-decker bus will be air-conditioned. The then PMPML CMD Omprakash Bakoriya decided to purchase these buses in December 2022. The BoD also approved the decision. The tender process will begin next week, said Narvekar.

However, it took 1.5 years to make the decision and to float the tender. It will take another six months for the buses to join the fleet.

Features of the new double-decker e-bus

*Earlier, double-decker buses had one stair but this bus will have two stairs. It will be electric and air-conditioned

*Its suspension will be of a superior quality, which will make travelling comfortable. A facility of digital ticketing will be available. It will look like the double-decker bus in London

*Its passenger capacity will be 70 seating and 40 standing

*Each bus will cost Rs 2 crore and its height will be 14 ft 4 inch, which will pass through a metro station easily. Repair and maintenance cost for earlier double-decker was high. But the new e-bus will have miniscule repair and maintenance cost

Bus fare per kilometre

The fare per kilometer for the double-decker e-bus is Rs 6. PMPML pays Rs 60 per km to the contractor. However, the public transport utility will purchase these buses, for which it will take a bank loan. It will also seek financial aid from the PMC, PCMC and PMRDA, said officials.

Double-decker e-buses after success of e-buses

The first e-bus was inducted in the PMPML fleet in 2018. The AC e-bus received a good response from citizens. The number of charging stations has also been increased.

QUOTE

“The PMPML put forth this proposal for safe and smooth public transport in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where thousands of IT company employees travel by buses. The PMPML aims to reduce people’s dependence on private vehicles by introducing more CNG and e-buses in its fleet. We have decided to purchase 20 double-decker e-buses.”