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3w ago

Pune Begins Eight-Day Trial of Electric Double-Decker Bus on IT Corridors

PMPML plans to induct 10 Switch Mobility buses after Diwali pending trial results.

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The state-of-the-art bus was brought in from Chennai-based company, ‘Switch’ and tested on the busy Hinjewadi Information Technology (IT) Park route, which is among the city’s corridors with the highest commuter demand. (MAHENDRA KOLHE/ HT)
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Overview

  • PMPML launched peak-hour tests on September 16, with runs reported in Katraj and on the Hinjewadi IT Park corridor, and the CMD said the trial will run for eight days.
  • The agency intends to procure 10 buses under a gross cost contract, with any expansion tied to earnings and passenger response.
  • Initial service is planned for high-demand routes in Hinjewadi, Magarpatta, Kharadi and Chinchwad within Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
  • The fully electric, air-conditioned buses from Switch Mobility can carry up to 85 passengers and are reported to offer about 150 km per charge with roughly two-hour charging, plus CCTV and digital ticketing.
  • Each unit is estimated at about ₹2 crore, fare rates are not yet finalised, operating cost has been indicated at ₹6 per km, and some coverage cites a roughly 10-day testing window.