PMPML’s E-Buses Face Operational Challenges, Causing Discomfort to Passengers
Pune: The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has been grappling with a recurring issue as a significant number of its e-buses, numbering between 10 to 12, experience power depletion mid-journey, leading to their temporary immobilization on the road. This predicament has resulted in substantial inconvenience for passengers who rely on these buses for their daily commutes.
Ramesh Chavan, Chief Engineer of PMPML, shed light on the situation, stating that all e-buses are charged daily to support their operations, which typically involve covering around 200 kilometers each day. However, with the growing volume of traffic on city roads, the demand on these e-buses has surged, causing their batteries to drain faster. Consequently, many of these buses are compelled to halt abruptly, leaving passengers stranded mid-trip. Chavan emphasized that devising a comprehensive and sustainable solution to manage traffic congestion would effectively address this problem and restore smooth functioning of e-buses.
It has been observed that the e-buses encounter difficulty when their batteries are depleted, forcing them to halt unexpectedly. To mitigate this issue, PMPML has communicated with private contractors, urging them to allocate a portion of their e-bus fleet, approximately 10%, as standby units. These buses will remain off-road, ensuring their batteries are fully charged. This strategy aims to prevent buses from operating on low battery levels, which often results in the inconvenience faced by passengers.
An e-bus, once fully charged, has the capacity to travel approximately 200 to 215 kilometers. However, the charging process itself takes a minimum of one hour. Currently, PMPML operates 458 fully-electric buses across five out of its 15 depots.
As PMPML works to rectify this issue, passengers are hopeful for a swift and effective solution that will not only enhance their commuting experience but also bolster the overall efficiency and reliability of the city’s e-bus fleet.
