Pune: In good news, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will start a new AC bus service in Pune that will allow commuters to travel to important locations for just Rs 10. The draft proposal is passed by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee.

The Standing Committee also passed the budget for the proposal last year, however, the work was suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “PMPML is in the works of launching a special bus service that will enable commuters to travel in AC bus at just Rs 10. This will help to reduce the traffic in the city as maximum people can avail the service,” Hemant Rasne, Chairman, Standing Committee said.

In the first phase, 50 buses will be purchased and the estimated budget for these buses is over Rs 13 crore. Similarly, the provision has been made in the draft budget for the year 2021-22. The traffic plan is also being made for the same. The first phase may work in shuttle service where there will be reserved bus-stops for these buses. According to the plan made by PMPML, 30 routes are expected to be finalised.

PMPML in October last year launched the Aligning Transit on All Lanes (ATAL) service and has reported a positive response. The service was started with 97 buses on five routes located in prime areas of the city.

CHARGING STATIONS FOR E-VEHICLES

The PMPML has decided to install charging stations for private electric buses at its depots in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. 10 to 15 charging stations will be set up till next year. The charging stations will also deliver flexibility to charge PMPML-owned electric buses. It will also help to generate revenue while providing an inexpensive to owners of electric vehicles.