Double-decker buses to run on 40 routes in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has initiated the process to purchase and operate electric double-decker buses, and has finalised 40 routes in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas where these buses will run
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has initiated the process to purchase and operate electric double-decker buses, and has finalised 40 routes in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas where these buses will run. Road conditions and commuter response have been taken into consideration while selecting the routes. The issue will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the PMPML after which the purchase of double-decker buses will be stepped-up. According to information shared by the PMPML, commuters from Hadapsar, Katraj and Karve road will be able to travel by the double-decker buses in the next five to six months.
Chairman and managing director, PMPML, Om Prakash Bakoria, said, “We have finalised 40 routes for the double-decker bus services. These buses will ply on the routes once they are procured. However, this will have to wait for a few more days. These buses will be electric and air-conditioned. For this, the financial assistance of the Pune- and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations has been taken.”
Whereas these double-decker buses will not ply on BRTS routes due to changes in their height and design. The buses are 14 feet and four inches in height, and have a seating capacity of up to 70 passengers and standing capacity of up to 40 passengers. The cost of each bus is ?2 crore.
In the early 90s, the then Pune Municipal Transport (PMT) had started a double-decker bus service in Pune which ran majorly between Shivajinagar and Nigdi as most offices were located on that route. Once again double-decker buses will hit the city roads if all goes as planned.