PMP Constructing New CNG Stations at Swargate and Nigdi Depots to Improve Bus Services
Pune:
In good news for the CNG buses of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMP), the construction of new CNG stations has begun at Swargate and Nigdi bus depots. This is significant news, as because of these newly constructed CNG stations, the fleet of about 200 buses of PMP will no longer need to go to another depot to fill up CNG.
Significantly, this project will save the distance of PMP buses by 20 thousand kilometres, and thus passengers will get bus services on time.
CNG Facility Will Be Operational at Depot
After the approval of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the supply of CNG to Swargate and Nigdi depots will start through Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL). Currently, the work of laying pipelines on the roads leading to the depot from the main roads is about to start. Due to these facilities, unnecessary distance of PMP buses will be stopped, and the number of buses on roads will increase, saving the time of the passengers.
200 Buses to be Benefitted
Currently, 110 buses from the Swargate depot go to Narveer Tanaji Wadi or Katraj depot to fill CNG, while 90 buses from the Nigdi depot go to Chikhali depot to fill CNG. These empty trips of PMP buses further increase expenses for PMP. This leads to delays in bus services and reduces the number of trips. However, this problem will be solved with the completion of the project in the next two months.
PMP Administration is Positive for Building CNG Stations at 8 More Depots
Currently, out of 15 depots of PMP, five depots, such as Narveer Tanaji Wadi, Pimpri, Kothrud, Hadapsar, and Katraj, have CNG facilities. CNG stations have been started in Swargate and Nigdi depots, and the PMP administration is positive about starting such facilities in the remaining 8 depots as well. The PMP administration clarified that a decision will be taken soon in this regard. This project is expected to significantly improve PMP’s bus service, saving up to Rs 1 lakh in cost and further saving time for passengers.
Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director of PMP, said, “CNG stations will be operational in both Swargate and Nigdi depots in the next one to two months. This will help to improve the quality of passenger service and to make more bus services available for people.”
