Pune: As the Pune metro network expands, a proposal to acquire 1,000 new electric buses has been put forward to enhance the PMPML fleet. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, recently submitted this proposal to Union Minister of Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Following the submission, Kumaraswamy instructed his department to take action on the matter. Currently, the first phase of Pune's metro project is fully operational, with passenger services running on the Vanaz-Ramwadi and Pimpri-Chinchwad-Swargate routes.

Together, these routes cover a distance of 32 kilometers. The state government has also given approval for two new elevated metro lines: Khadakwasla to Kharadi and Nal Stop to Manikbaug.

Additionally, the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi metro line, implemented by the PMRDA on a build-operate-transfer basis, is currently under construction.

Even as the metro system grows, there is still an urgent need to bolster the PMPML's public bus network. The existing fleet is inadequate to cater to the large passenger numbers in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

According to city officials, the current fleet needs at least 3,000 buses to meet demand. In recent months, Pune has received 400 new electric buses through central government initiatives. However, in order to ensure a more comfortable and efficient travel experience, a new proposal has been made for an additional 1,000 electric buses.

Murlidhar Mohol emphasized that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, Pune has witnessed substantial and well-planned development.

In line with the city's growing transportation needs, the proposal for 1,000 additional electric buses has been fast-tracked, and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has already directed his team to act promptly on this request.