PMPML Double-Decker Bus Service Returns with Electric Upgrade

PMPML double-decker buses are soon expected to operate on high-demand IT corridors like Hinjawadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

After nearly three years of delay, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is preparing to reintroduce double-decker buses—this time in a modern, electric avatar. The first phase of the service will be launched as a pilot project along high-traffic IT corridors, including Hinjawadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

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Switch Mobility Partnership for Feasibility and Operations

PMPML has partnered with Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle division of Ashok Leyland. A Switch Mobility team is expected to visit Pune next week to survey the planned routes and assess infrastructure feasibility. Based on their report, the first few electric double-decker buses will begin operations.

PMPML Double-Decker Bus: Key Features

The PMPML electric double-decker buses will bring a number of upgrades over the older diesel variants:

• Fully Electric and A/C Enabled
• Digital Ticketing Integration
• London-style Design Aesthetic
• Advanced Suspension Systems
• Capacity: 70 seated + 40 standing passengers

Each unit will stand at 14 feet 4 inches, enabling seamless movement under flyovers and metro infrastructure.

PMPML Double-Decker Bus: Cost vs. Benefit

Though the cost per electric double-decker bus is approximately ₹2 crore, PMPML believes these modern vehicles will have lower maintenance expenses compared to the older SLF-type diesel double-deckers, which were phased out due to high upkeep costs.

Pilot Phase to Refine Strategy

PMPML CMD Pankaj Deore stated that the pilot project will initially target IT zones where ridership demand is high and regular fleets are often overcrowded. Based on route survey feedback and public reception, PMPML may expand the fleet further.

Stats Snapshot: PMPML Operations

• Fleet Size: 1,650 buses
• Daily Ridership: ~12 lakh passengers
• Daily Revenue: ₹1.5 crore
• Routes Covered: 381
• Distance Covered Daily: ~3.6 lakh km

A technical delegation led by Deore and Joint MD Nitin Narvekar also visited Mumbai to study the operational deployment of Switch Mobility’s buses in BEST’s network.

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Electric Double-Deckers: A Game-Changer for Pune

• Meets the demand for sustainable, high-capacity transport
• Optimised for IT hubs with high peak-hour congestion
• Reduces road footprint while increasing per-bus commuter volume
• Potential to become a signature element of Pune’s evolving urban transport

As Pune grapples with rising commuter demand and urban congestion, PMPML’s move to modern electric double-decker buses could mark a transformative step in making public transit greener, smarter, and more efficient.