Hinjewadi is Pune’s biggest IT hub. Thousands of employees travel daily to offices in this area. With rapid growth, the traffic situation has become a serious problem. To reduce congestion and offer better public transport, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has started testing electric double-decker buses. Recently, a successful trial was completed on the Katraj to Hinjewadi route.
This trial is an important step for improving transport for IT professionals and other commuters in Hinjewadi, Kharadi, Magarpatta, and surrounding areas. The move also brings back the double-decker bus service to Pune after more than 30 years.
Double-Decker Bus Returns to Pune
Pune once had double-decker buses running on city roads. These were introduced in 1984 but were stopped in 1995 because of high maintenance costs. Many older Punekars still remember traveling in them. Now, after three decades, PMPML is reviving the service in a modern, electric form.
The new buses are being supplied by Switch Mobility, which is Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division. The focus this time is not only on comfort but also on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in Pune.
Trial Run Details
The first trial run took place from Katraj depot to Hinjewadi in the presence of PMPML’s Chairman and Managing Director, Pankaj Deore. The test was completed successfully, and officials confirmed that more trials will be conducted over the next 10 to 15 days.
The plan is to test the bus on four major routes. If everything goes well, the service will be launched for the public before Diwali. According to PMPML, the buses will mainly serve IT hubs, especially Hinjewadi, which has the largest number of daily office commuters in Pune.
Features of the Electric Double-Decker Bus
The new electric double-decker bus is designed to carry more people and provide a smooth travel experience. It also has modern safety and comfort features.
Here are some key details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 60 seats (45 on lower deck, 40 on upper deck) |
| Standing Capacity | 25 passengers |
| Total Capacity | 85 passengers |
| Manufacturer | Switch Mobility |
| Size | Height: 4.75 m, Width: 2.6 m, Length: 9.5 m |
| Type | Fully electric, air-conditioned |
| Safety | CCTV cameras installed |
| Initial Plan | 10 buses to be added to PMPML fleet |
| Cost per Bus | ₹2 crore approx |
| Operating Cost | Around ₹6 per km |
The buses are fully electric, making them quieter and more environment-friendly compared to diesel buses. CCTV cameras will help improve safety for passengers.
The lower deck has space for 45 passengers while the upper deck can accommodate 40 people. Standing space is also available, taking the total capacity to 85 passengers per bus. This is a big improvement compared to regular PMPML buses.
Why Hinjewadi Needs Better Transport
Hinjewadi is home to several major IT parks where companies like Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, TCS, and others have offices. More than two lakh employees travel to Hinjewadi daily from different parts of Pune, including Katraj, Hadapsar, Magarpatta, and Kharadi.
The traffic situation in Hinjewadi is well known. Long queues of vehicles during office hours waste time and fuel. Introducing high-capacity electric buses can reduce the number of cars and two-wheelers on roads. This will help reduce traffic jams, save travel time, and cut pollution.
Cost and Fare
One electric double-decker bus costs around ₹2 crore. However, the running cost is estimated to be just ₹6 per km, which is much lower than the older contracted buses that PMPML used.
Fare rates are yet to be finalized, but PMPML has assured that the charges will remain affordable for office goers. The goal is to encourage more IT employees to shift from personal vehicles to public transport.
Future Plans
PMPML has planned to start with 10 double-decker buses. After testing them on routes like Katraj to Hinjewadi, they may expand the service to other IT hubs like Kharadi, Magarpatta, and Hadapsar.
The long-term plan is to build a larger fleet of electric buses in Pune to reduce dependency on private vehicles. If the double-decker model proves successful, more buses will be introduced in stages.
Expected Benefits for Hinjewadi
For Hinjewadi and other IT hubs, these buses bring several advantages:
- Less Traffic: A single bus can carry 85 passengers, which means fewer cars and bikes on the road.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Fully electric buses reduce air and noise pollution.
- Safe Travel: CCTV and modern design ensure passenger safety.
- Comfort: Air-conditioned buses with spacious seating make long commutes easier.
- Affordable: Lower operating cost can help keep fares budget-friendly.
By targeting routes that connect residential areas to Hinjewadi, PMPML hopes to provide a strong alternative to private vehicles.
Voices from PMPML
Speaking at the trial, PMPML’s Managing Director Pankaj Deore said, “Our goal is to provide reliable and safe transport for IT employees working in Hinjewadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta. This electric double-decker is a step towards modern, eco-friendly travel. We will continue testing on different routes and launch services for Pune citizens soon.”
His statement reflects the administration’s commitment to improve transport in and around Hinjewadi. Many daily commuters are hopeful that this service will finally make office travel less stressful.
Challenges Ahead
While the trial run was successful, there are still challenges before full-scale operations begin:
- Pune roads are often congested, and maneuvering a tall double-decker may be difficult in narrow lanes.
- Charging infrastructure for electric buses must be set up properly.
- PMPML has to finalize fare rates while keeping costs sustainable.
- Maintenance of electric buses will require skilled staff and proper facilities.
Still, with rising pollution and traffic, solutions like this cannot be delayed.
FAQs
1. When will the double-decker buses start running in Hinjewadi?
PMPML plans to start the service before Diwali, after completing all trial runs and approvals.
2. How many passengers can the bus carry?
Each bus can carry 85 passengers, with 60 seats and space for 25 standing.
3. Will the fare be higher than normal buses?
The exact fare is not yet decided, but PMPML has said it will remain affordable for daily commuters.
4. Why is Hinjewadi important for this service?
Hinjewadi is Pune’s largest IT hub with lakhs of employees. Better transport options here can reduce traffic and pollution.
5. Who is manufacturing these buses?
The buses are made by Switch Mobility, which is part of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division.
The successful trial of the electric double-decker bus from Katraj to Hinjewadi is a positive step for Pune. For Hinjewadi, where traffic is one of the biggest issues, this service can make a real difference.
If the trials go well and the buses are launched as planned, thousands of IT employees will have a safer, greener, and more comfortable way to travel. With growing focus on sustainable transport, the double-decker buses could soon become a regular sight on the roads of Hinjewadi and beyond.
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Hi, I’m Rohit Patil. I write about everything related to Hinjewadi – from local news and events to interesting spots and businesses. My goal is to share helpful and easy-to-read content for everyone who wants to know more about this vibrant area. Stay tuned for more!
