PMPML takes a Green Leap with 90 Per Cent Electric and CNG Buses in Pune

Pune, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant stride towards sustainable public transportation, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) proudly announced that 90% of its bus fleet now operates on cleaner fuels. Sanjay Kolte, the newly appointed CMD of PMPML, revealed this milestone during the inauguration of the NexGen Mobility Show 2023 at the Deccan College Ground in Pune.

Cleaner Fuels Dominating the Fleet

CMD Sanjay Kolte shared the composition of the eco-friendly fleet, stating, "Ninety percent of our buses are using cleaner fuels, with 67 percent running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and an additional 23 percent being Electric Vehicles (EV)." He emphasized the commitment to sustainability, highlighting that only 10 percent of the total fleet still relies on diesel, a percentage that is expected to decrease gradually in the coming years.

PMPML's Sustainability Journey

Initiated in 2009, PMPML's commitment to sustainability has led to a notable transformation in urban mobility solutions. With a total of 2119 buses in its fleet, the majority of them—1431 buses—operate on CNG, while 473 are electric vehicles. CMD Kolte underscored the dedication to phasing out diesel-powered buses in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives.

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) Enhancing Urban Mobility

CMD Sanjay Kolte discussed the impact of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) on addressing traffic congestion in the city. Implemented in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), BRTS provides dedicated lanes for buses and strategically placed bus stoppages. According to Kolte, this system not only conserves fuel but also improves the overall running efficiency of the buses.

Increasing Public Awareness and Accessibility

In response to questions about PMPML's initiatives to raise public awareness, CMD Kolte outlined strategies, including enhancing the visibility of social media profiles and helpline numbers. He emphasized the imminent launch of a dedicated app designed not only for ticketing and bus schedule tracking but also to provide users with information about PMPML's schemes and upcoming initiatives.

Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Pune

Highlighting the joint efforts of PMPML and Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL), CMD Kolte revealed that the collaboration had previously resulted in the procurement of 150 PMPML EV buses. These eco-friendly buses were acquired with subsidies from the Smart City Mission Grant, showcasing a commitment to mitigating carbon emissions in the city.

Pune's PMPML, under the leadership of CMD Sanjay Kolte, is steering towards a greener future, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions.