The Chairman of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Sanjay Kolte, expressed confidence in meeting the targets set by the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle (MEV) Policy, 2021. This policy aims to electrify 25 percent of the fleet in major urban cities, including Pune, by 2025. Currently, PMPML has electrified 23 percent of its fleet and is on track to achieve the target set by the policy.
Kolte mentioned that the company was supposed to receive 350 e-buses in the last contract, but only 173 have been received so far, with 177 buses yet to be delivered. However, an additional 100 e-buses have been approved by the board, and after obtaining consent from both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), they will be received shortly. Kolte stated, “We are already on track to achieve our goal this year.”
When comparing the operating costs of CNG and e-buses, Kolte explained that while CNG is also a green fuel, its cost is more favorable than that of electric buses. The expenditure to operate a CNG bus is marginally less expensive than an electric bus. However, PMPML is facing a shortage of buses due to delays in the procurement process. A PMPML official emphasized that they have no other option but to meet the people’s requirement for buses in the upcoming months, and the delay in procurement is not their fault.
In the next two to three months, approximately 266 CNG buses will be phased out, creating a need for buses on the road. To address this, PMPML plans to introduce 500 new CNG buses by June this year. Following a recent meeting, it was decided that out of the upcoming 500 buses, 400 will be contract-based, while 100 will be owned by PMPML.
The MEV Policy, 2021, is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation in Maharashtra. By electrifying a quarter of the fleet in major urban cities, the policy aims to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Pune, being one of the key cities, is committed to achieving this target and is making progress by increasing the number of e-buses in its fleet.
While there are challenges in the procurement process and the operating costs of electric buses, PMPML remains determined to meet the targets set by the policy. The approval of additional e-buses and the introduction of new CNG buses demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing efficient and sustainable public transportation options for the residents of Pune.
In conclusion, PMPML, under the leadership of Chairman Sanjay Kolte, is confident in meeting the targets set by the MEV Policy, 2021. Despite the delays in the procurement process and the cost comparison between CNG and e-buses, the company is on track to achieve its goal of electrifying 25 percent of its fleet this year. The introduction of new buses, both electric and CNG, will contribute to improving public transportation services in Pune and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
