Pune: After a hiatus of one and a half years, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is set to resume the process of purchasing double-decker buses.
The tendering process will commence next week, leading to the acquisition of 20 double-decker buses and 100 electric buses.
The decision to purchase the buses was made in December 2022 when Omprakash Bakoria was the chairman, and it received approval from the board of directors. However, the process stalled afterward.
It is expected to take at least six more months for the buses to become operational. The decision to introduce double-decker buses was made to manage the high volume of passengers. In the first phase, 20 double-decker buses will be procured, which will not operate on BRT routes.
The cost efficiency of electric buses is notable, with only six rupees per kilometer compared to the 50 to 60 rupees per kilometer paid to contractors' buses. Consequently, PMPML has decided to purchase its own buses and will secure loans from banks for this purpose.
Additionally, financial assistance will be sought from the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
Features of the New Double-Decker Buses:
Two staircases (unlike the old buses with only one)
Electric and air-conditioned for comfortable travel
Excellent suspension
Digital ticketing system onboard
Aesthetic similar to London buses
Passenger Capacity:
Seating for up to 70 passengers
Standing space for 40 passengers
Total capacity of over 100 passengers per bus, reducing the need for additional buses or trips
Bus height: 14 feet 4 inches, ensuring no obstruction to metro stations
Previously, PMPML's fleet included SLF-type double-decker buses, which were expensive to maintain. The new electric buses will have lower maintenance costs, with each bus priced at 2 crore rupees.
PMPML's Operations:
Total number of buses: 1,650
Daily passengers: 1.2 million (average)
Passenger revenue: 1.5 crore rupees (approx.)
Daily travel distance: 360,000 km
Total routes: 370
Total bus stops: 4,300
"PMPML will acquire 100 electric buses, including 20 double-decker buses. The tendering process will begin next week and is expected to take at least four months to complete," stated Nitin Narvekar, Deputy Managing Director, PMPML, Pune.