New Hinjewadi Double Decker Bus: Route Plan, Capacity & Launch Date

Hinjewadi Double Decker Bus: New Travel Plan for Pune’s IT Crowd

The traffic problem in Pune’s IT areas like Hinjewadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta has become a major issue. With long travel times and jammed roads, many IT employees are tired of the daily struggle. Some companies have even started talking about moving their offices to better-connected locations.

To ease this situation, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has taken a big step. They are now planning to start Hinjewadi Double Decker Bus services on a trial basis. These buses will help reduce traffic, provide better comfort, and offer a modern way to travel for thousands of daily commuters.

Let’s understand what this new service means and how it will work.

Why the Need for HInjewadi Double Decker Buses?

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have many IT hubs. Places like Hinjawadi, Kharadi, Magarpatta, and Hadapsar see heavy traffic during peak hours. Most roads are packed with private vehicles, and public transport often falls short.

In recent weeks, several IT firms raised concerns about poor transport. Some even warned of shifting offices if things don’t improve. Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar took this seriously and asked PMPML to act quickly.

In response, PMPML decided to bring back the double-decker buses — this time with electric models designed for city travel.

The Plan for Hinjawadi Double Decker Bus Service

The idea is simple. PMPML will run double-decker buses on routes that pass through IT areas. The plan will first start as a trial. A team from Switch Mobility, a company under Ashok Leyland, will visit Pune next week. They will check the roads, bus stops, and infrastructure to see if these large buses can operate smoothly.

Once the survey is done, PMPML will begin running the buses on selected routes on a test basis. If things go well, the service will be expanded to more areas.

What Makes These Buses Different?

These are not old diesel buses. The Hinjewadi Double Decker Bus will be modern and electric. Here’s what they offer:

• Fully electric, so no pollution
• Air-conditioned for a better travel experience
• Seating for 70 passengers, plus space for 40 standing
• Digital ticketing system
• Smooth suspension for less bumpy rides
• Inspired by the look of London’s red double-decker
• Designed to fit city roads (14 feet 4 inches tall)

The buses are built to move easily under flyovers and near metro stations. So there won’t be any clearance issues on routes in Hinjewadi or other IT zones.

Cost and Benefits

Each of these buses costs around ₹2 crore. While this is high, the long-term costs are expected to be lower than the old SLF diesel buses. Those older buses were retired due to high maintenance and fuel costs.

These new electric double-decker buses need less maintenance. Since they carry over 100 people at once, they can also help reduce the number of smaller private vehicles on the road.

Where Will the Buses Run?

Though the final routes are yet to be confirmed, the focus is clearly on major IT corridors. The following areas are likely to be covered in the Hinjawadi Double Decker Bus trial:

Pune Area	Importance
Hinjawadi Phase 1, 2, 3	Major IT offices, traffic bottlenecks
Kharadi	Home to many IT parks like EON IT Park
Magarpatta	Residential plus commercial area with IT offices
Hadapsar	IT offices Connects to Kharadi and Magarpatta, sees daily jams

Once the test run is successful, PMPML plans to add more routes depending on demand and feedback from passengers.

Old Idea, New Execution

Interestingly, the double-decker plan is not new. PMPML had this idea five years ago, but due to lack of approval and budget, it never took off. Several meetings and proposals were made, but nothing happened on the ground.

Now, with the growing pressure from IT companies and the worsening traffic in Hinjawadi, PMPML has decided to act. The new Chairman and Managing Director, Pankaj Deore, has revived the idea and moved it forward.

Deore, along with Joint Managing Director Nitin Narvekar, recently visited Mumbai to see Switch Mobility’s buses in action. They also discussed technical details and road conditions to ensure the buses are suitable for Pune.

How Will the Hinjewadi Double Decker Trial Work?

The trial phase is expected to begin in the next one week. A private company team will arrive in Pune to inspect road conditions. They will check for things like:

• Road width and height clearance
• Turns and U-turn points
• Location of bus stops
• Passenger entry/exit convenience
• Integration with metro or other buses

Once they give the green signal, PMPML will launch a few buses on selected routes. They’ll track the response from passengers and check if the buses are helping reduce road congestion.

What Are the Expected Results?

If this works well, we can expect:

• Fewer private vehicles during peak hours
• Shorter travel times for IT workers
• Comfortable and eco-friendly public transport
• More people using PMPML services
• Better planning for future smart transport in Pune

It’s a small step, but it shows Pune is thinking long-term when it comes to traffic and pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When will the Hinjawadi Double Decker Bus service start?

The service is expected to begin its trial phase within the next week. Full-scale rollout will depend on test results.

2. Who is making these buses?

The buses are made by Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle division of Ashok Leyland.

3. Are these buses safe for Pune roads?

Yes. The buses are 14 feet and 4 inches tall. PMPML has ensured they can pass under flyovers and fit within Pune’s road infrastructure.

4. Will these buses have air conditioning?

Yes, the new Hinjawadi Double Decker Buses will be fully air-conditioned.

5. How many people can one bus carry?

Each bus can carry about 110 people – 70 seated and 40 standing.

6. Which areas will be covered?

Initially, the buses will cover IT zones like Hinjawadi, Kharadi, Magarpatta, and Hadapsar.

7. How much will it cost to travel?

Fare details haven’t been announced yet, but it will be in line with PMPML’s existing pricing structure.

Challenges Ahead

While the plan is promising, there are still some challenges:

• Pune’s roads are already crowded and narrow in places
• Bus stops need to be upgraded to handle larger buses
• Power stations are needed for electric bus charging
• Driver training and route testing must be completed first

These issues need attention before the service can fully launch. But PMPML seems committed to solving them quickly.

The Hinjewadi Double Decker Bus is more than just a new bus. It’s about reducing traffic, improving daily life for office-goers, and promoting clean energy. Hinjawadi, as Pune’s biggest IT zone, deserves smart and efficient public transport. This plan could be the first of many changes to come.

For years, Pune’s IT workers have faced long commutes, jammed roads, and limited bus options. The Hinjawadi Double Decker Bus could be a real solution if executed properly.

If PMPML runs these buses on time, keeps them clean and efficient, and expands routes based on public feedback, it can make a big difference. People might even start preferring public transport over private vehicles, which is exactly what the city needs.

It’s early days, but it’s a hopeful start.

To check more about Hinjewadi, Click Here.