Pune: The newly appointed chairman and managing director (CMD) of PMPML, Mahesh Awhad, has announced that 1,000 new buses will join the fleet by July.Detailing his roadmap for Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML), Awhad outlined a three-point agenda: ensuring passenger security, improving comfort levels, and making the service dependable. In addition to the 1,000 CNG buses arriving in July, the CMD announced that another 500 electric buses (e-buses) would be inducted by Diwali.“By Diwali this year, we aim to have a total fleet size of 3,500 buses, a significant increase from our current strength of 1,961. The 1,000 buses joining us in July will be CNG-powered and owned directly by the transport body. This expansion is crucial for both the organisation and the daily commuters,” said Awhad, who took charge of the struggling transport body last week.A key part of the new strategy involves synchronising PMPML services with the Pune Metro. Awhad stated that a major route rationalisation process is underway. “We have decided that PMPML buses will not run on routes parallel to the Metro. Instead, our goal is to strengthen feeder services. To do this effectively, we must eliminate route duplication,” he said.The CMD emphasised that the safety of passengers—particularly women and senior citizens—is a top priority. He indicated that the administration would focus on encouraging better driving habits among staffers to ensure road safety.“Travel comfort is another major concern. For public transport to be the preferred choice, buses must reach their destinations and stops on time. Improving punctuality will naturally reduce the traffic pressure on the city’s roads,” Awhad added.While experts have long called for better fleet management and govt intervention to reduce bus breakdowns, transport activists remain sceptical about administrative stability.Sanjay Shitole, an activist with PMP Pravasi Manch, pointed out that the frequent changes in leadership hinders long-term progress. “The biggest problem is that the state government rarely allows CMDs to complete their full three-year tenure. Until a leader is given the time to implement plans, the service will struggle to become truly dependable,” Shitole said.Ends
