In a progressive move to bolster its public transit services, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has embarked on a mission to train its drivers in operating electric buses (e-buses). This strategic initiative stems from the need to address a strike that had disrupted services by contract drivers employed by a private bus contractor in August 2023. Sachindra Pratap Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML, took swift action to counter the setback by equipping PMPML drivers with the skills to manage e-buses efficiently.
Empowering Drivers for a Greener Future:
The initiative to train drivers for e-buses is not merely a response to an immediate crisis but a visionary step towards embracing sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. A total of 484 drivers from PMPML underwent rigorous training to proficiently handle e-buses. This endeavor included 272 permanent drivers and 212 temporary daily shift drivers.
PMPML, a pioneer in the public transit sector, currently manages a substantial fleet of 2,089 buses, with 991 buses owned by the corporation and 1,098 buses owned by private contractors. Among the contractor-owned buses, 640 are CNG buses, while the remaining 458 are the game-changing e-buses.
A Roadmap to Success:
In August 2023, a strike by e-bus drivers, driven by their demands, led to disruptions in PMPML services. In light of this situation, Sachindra Pratap Singh charted a roadmap to navigate the challenges and ensure that public transit remained uninterrupted. The training initiative was launched on 26th August 2023, with the primary goal of empowering PMPML drivers to adeptly operate e-buses.
The transformational training program, which spanned from July 28, 2023, to October 15, 2023, imparted knowledge and skills to a total of 978 drivers. These newly skilled drivers are now well-equipped to operate e-buses, adding a green dimension to Pune’s public transportation.
PMPML’s commitment to training its drivers for e-buses not only resolves immediate challenges but also steers Pune’s public transit towards a greener and more sustainable future.
