The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) is set to bolster its commitment to environmental sustainability by introducing 500 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses by June 2024. Ramesh Chavan, Chief Engineer of PMPML, revealed that out of these, 400 buses will be on a contract basis, while the remaining 100 will be owned by PMPML.
The decision to include these new CNG buses comes as the contracts for 266 older CNG buses are set to conclude at the end of 2024. In total, contracts for 592 buses, running on various fuels including CNG, will expire this year. With the introduction of the 500 new CNG buses, the PMPML fleet will see an increase of 92 more buses, addressing the immediate need.
After the inclusion of these buses, the PMPML fleet will consist of 1,081 self-owned buses and 1,498 contractor-owned buses. However, concerns have been raised by commuters who fear an increased reliance on private contractors, potentially leading to a scenario where the decision benefits only the operators.
In response to these concerns, a senior PMPML official emphasized that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is commonly adopted in transportation undertakings. This model significantly lowers the capital cost for the transport body, allowing for a more efficient and sustainable expansion of the fleet.
The introduction of CNG buses aligns with PMPML’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly public transportation in Pune. CNG buses are known for their cleaner emissions and are considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel sources.
