Pune: The arrival of new buses for Pune's public transportation system, PMPML, has been postponed once again, with no final decision reached during the recent Board of Directors meeting.

Although discussions were held, a concrete resolution on the bus procurement proposal is now anticipated in the upcoming meeting.

This delay follows an earlier postponement due to the Lok Sabha election code of conduct, leaving passengers to continue relying on the aging fleet for the foreseeable future.

Previously, the PMPML Board approved the purchase of 100 new buses, including 20 double-deckers and 80 12-meter buses, all of which were initially planned to be air-conditioned.

However, due to the high costs associated with air-conditioned models, the PMPML administration has submitted a revised proposal for non-air-conditioned buses. Despite this, the expected discussion on the proposal did not occur during the recent meeting, further delaying the decision.

CNG Bus Acquisition Hits Roadblocks

In a prior meeting, PMPML had secured approval to lease 400 CNG buses and to purchase 100 more outright. The expectation was that all 500 buses would be in service by June.

However, as August begins, there is still no clear indication of when these CNG buses will be available for passengers. Despite the administration's decision to purchase these buses, challenges in sourcing them have delayed the process.

Bus Fleet Shrinks Amid Contract Expirations and Maintenance Issues

The expiration of contracts with two of PMPML's seven contractors has resulted in the withdrawal of over 200 buses from service. Additionally, 60 buses reached the end of their operational life in June, and daily breakdowns of at least 20 buses are further straining passenger services.

With a dwindling number of buses and ongoing delays in acquiring new ones, passengers are bearing the brunt of these setbacks.