January 27, 2024. With the phase-out of 266 older compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) plans to introduce 500 new CNG buses by June this year. The Indian transport body aims to phase out a total of 593 buses, including both CNG and diesel ones, over the next two to three years.
Following the meeting on January 18, it was decided that out of the new 500 buses, 400 will be contract-based, and 100 will be owned by PMPML.
With the inclusion of these new vehicles, the total number of buses will increase to 1,498 contractor-owned buses and 1,081 self-owned buses.
PMPML spokesperson Satish Gate said alongside the introduction of new buses, a decision to retire nearly 266 CNG buses has been made. Consequently, a total of 1,232 buses will be under the supervision of seven contractors.
