Major Boost for Pune's Public Transport as Centre Approves 1000 Electric Buses
In a significant move to revolutionize urban mobility, the Union government has granted final approval for the procurement of 1,000 electric buses for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML). This decision, announced on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, is set to substantially strengthen the city's public transportation infrastructure under the central government's PM-E Drive Scheme.
Addressing Pune's Growing Commuting Needs
The approval comes as a direct response to the expanding urban sprawl and rising population of Pune and the adjoining Pimpri Chinchwad area. Currently, PMPML operates a fleet of approximately 2,000 buses. However, only about 750 of these are directly owned by the transport body, with the remainder being operated by private contractors. Studies have indicated that to adequately serve the metropolitan region, PMPML ideally requires a fleet of at least 3,000 buses. The addition of 1,000 new e-buses marks a crucial step towards bridging this infrastructural gap.
Political Push and Environmental Benefits
The project received its final nod from Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H. D. Kumaraswamy. City MP and Union Minister of State for Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, played a pivotal role in championing this initiative. Mohol had been persistently following up with both the State and Central Governments to induct new buses into the PMPML fleet. He held several meetings with Minister Kumaraswamy to push the proposal forward.
Mohol stated that a key step involved requesting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the State Government communicated with the Reserve Bank to secure necessary funds. Following this, PMPML formally submitted the proposal for the 1,000 e-buses to the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, which was subsequently approved in the Union Cabinet meeting.
Highlighting the multifaceted benefits, Mohol informed, "As a result, Pune’s public transport system will become stronger, traffic congestion will reduce, and it will also help in controlling pollution." This move aligns with broader efforts to create a more sustainable and efficient urban transit network for Pune.
A Holistic Transport Vision for Pune
This approval is part of a larger, integrated strategy to upgrade Pune's overall transportation ecosystem. Mohol emphasized that alongside empowering PMPML, the city is witnessing the expansion of its Metro network. Currently, Metro services are operational along 32 km, with the Shivajinagar–Hinjewadi line slated to begin operations soon. The synergy between a robust bus service and an expanding Metro network is expected to provide commuters with seamless and eco-friendly travel options.
With the administrative hurdle now cleared, the focus shifts to the logistical phase. "My priority will now be to ensure that these buses join the fleet as soon as possible," Mohol affirmed, signaling the next step in this transformative project for Pune's public transport.
