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Union govt approves 1000 e-buses to improve public transport in Pune

PMPML currently has around 2,000 buses, of which about 750 are owned by PMPML and the rest are operated by contractors.

Union govt approves 1000 e-buses to improve public transport in PuneConsidering the growing area and increasing population of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, PMPML ideally needs a fleet of at least 3,000 buses.

To strengthen the public transport bus services in Pune, the Union government on Tuesday gave the go-ahead for the purchase of 1,000 electric buses (E-buses) for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) under the PM-E Drive Scheme.

“Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy gave the final approval for the purchases of buses. These buses will soon be added to the fleet of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). As a result, Pune’s public transport system will become stronger, traffic congestion will reduce, and it will also help in controlling pollution,” informed city MP and Union Minister of State for Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.

PMPML is the main public transport service operating within Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and the Pune Metropolitan area. PMPML currently has around 2,000 buses, of which about 750 are owned by PMPML and the rest are operated by contractors. Considering the growing area and increasing population of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, PMPML ideally needs a fleet of at least 3,000 buses.

Mohol had been continuously following up with both the State and Central Governments to induct new buses into the PMPML fleet. He held several meetings with H. D. Kumaraswamy to push the proposal forward.

Mohol said, “To ensure that funds are made available for these buses, I had requested the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that the State Government should communicate to the Reserve Bank. Subsequently, the proposal for 1,000 E-buses was sent by PMPML to the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries. Accordingly, in the Union Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the proposal was approved. This has cleared the way for PMPML to receive 1,000 E-buses.”

Mohol further stated, “Our focus is on strengthening Pune’s public transport system. Currently, Metro services are operational along 32 km in the city. The Shivajinagar–Hinjewadi Metro line will also start soon. The extended Metro routes have also been approved. Alongside this, empowering PMPML is one of my top priorities. I have been consistently working to increase the number of buses in PMPML’s fleet. With this approval, that effort has succeeded, and my priority will now be to ensure that these buses join the fleet as soon as possible.”

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background  Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.  "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More


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