PMPML to Add 25 New Double-Decker Buses in Pune

Pune: Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad commuters are set to get a new public transport option as the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) plans to add 25 new double-decker buses to its fleet. The move is aimed at strengthening public transportation and carrying more passengers using limited road space.

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However, transport experts have warned that simply introducing double-decker buses will not be enough. Proper route selection, operational planning and long-term maintenance will be crucial to ensure that the new buses do not become a financial burden for the transport administration.

PMPML currently has around 1,993 buses in its fleet, of which nearly 1,834 buses are operational on various routes. The remaining buses are often unavailable due to maintenance, repairs or breakdowns.

With the growing number of passengers across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and the PMRDA region, the existing fleet is considered insufficient. PMPML is therefore planning to procure more than 2,000 new buses in the coming period, including the proposed 25 double-decker buses.

25 Double-Decker Buses to Be Introduced in Phases

According to the plan, all 25 double-decker buses will be introduced in phases and operated on a contract basis. The tender process has been completed, with Travel Times and Anthony selected as contractors to operate the buses.

The return of double-decker buses is expected to give Pune’s public transport system a more modern look while offering commuters a different and potentially more comfortable travel experience.

Experts Stress Full-Capacity Operations

Vivek Velankar, president of Sajag Nagrik Manch, said that double-decker buses could help transport more passengers without requiring additional road space.

He stressed that the buses would be beneficial only if they are operated efficiently and achieve high occupancy. If the buses do not run with sufficient passenger loads, the investment may fail to deliver the expected benefits.

Experts Warn Against Repeating Past Mistakes

Transport experts have also pointed to PMPML’s previous experience with double-decker buses. A double-decker bus earlier operated on Route No. 111 between Hadapsar and Pune Municipal Corporation, but eventually disappeared from the city’s roads.

Experts have expressed concern that the same situation should not be repeated with the new fleet. They want PMPML to ensure that the newly introduced buses remain operational over the long term.

Avoid Volvo-Like Fate, Experts Say

PMPML Pravasi Manch president Jugal Rathi welcomed the decision but highlighted the lessons from the past. According to him, PMPML had earlier introduced Volvo buses with considerable enthusiasm, but poor planning and inadequate maintenance eventually resulted in operational problems.

Rathi said the new double-decker buses should not meet a similar fate. He suggested appointing a dedicated officer responsible for planning and monitoring the double-decker bus operations.

He also stressed that strict action should be taken if operational planning fails. Before selecting routes, authorities should thoroughly inspect tree branches, electricity wires, flyovers and other height-related obstacles to minimise the possibility of accidents.

Route Selection Will Be Crucial

PMPML Pravasi Manch honorary secretary Sanjay Shitole also welcomed the move but pointed out the limitations involved in operating taller buses on Pune’s roads.

Double-decker buses could significantly improve passenger capacity because one such bus can potentially carry as many passengers as two conventional buses while occupying similar road space. This could help reduce the number of buses required on certain high-demand routes and improve passenger movement.

However, several roads and bridges in Pune may not be suitable for double-decker buses because of height restrictions and other infrastructure-related challenges.

Shitole therefore advised PMPML to conduct a detailed route survey and select only those roads where the buses can operate safely without obstruction.

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