Green push for Pune: Centre nod for 1,000 electric buses

The Centre has approved the purchase of 1,000 electric buses for Pune under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, marking a major boost to the city’s public transport system, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol announced on Tuesday.

The addition of the e-buses will significantly expand the fleet of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML), reduce congestion, and help cut vehicular pollution, the BJP MP from Pune said in a statement.

The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme aims to promote affordable, sustainable and eco-friendly public transport options across the country.

According to Mohol, Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy has granted final approval to PMPML’s proposal for the purchase. PMPML operates bus services in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and surrounding areas under the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

Currently, PMPML runs about 2,000 buses — roughly 750 owned by the undertaking and the rest operated by contractors. With the city’s rapid expansion, officials estimate a fleet of at least 3,000 buses is required to meet growing commuter demand.

Mohol said he had been following up with both the state and central governments to expedite the proposal. Meetings with Union Minister Kumaraswamy and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were key in securing the approval, he noted.

“To ensure financial preparedness, I had requested Chief Minister Fadnavis to send the necessary communication to the Reserve Bank of India. PMPML later forwarded the proposal to the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries. I met Minister Kumaraswamy in New Delhi about a fortnight ago, after which the approval was expedited,” he said.

Mohol added that strengthening Pune’s public transport infrastructure remains a top priority. “The Pune Metro currently operates a 32-km network, and work on the Shivajinagar-Hinjawadi line is progressing, with other extensions also approved,” he said.

“Along with Metro expansion, enhancing PMPML’s capacity has been my focus. With this decision now in place, I will work towards ensuring the early induction of the buses,” said the Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation.

Mohol thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, HD Kumaraswamy, and Devendra Fadnavis for their support, adding that the Union government continues to emphasise integrated and sustainable urban development.