Pune took a big step toward greener public transport on April 26, 2025, by inaugurating two brand new electric bus depots. Located at Charholi and Maan, these depots were officially opened by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The Charholi depot is set to house around 60 electric buses, while the Maan depot will accommodate about 30 buses. This move is expected to boost connectivity, especially for suburban and fast-growing areas like Alandi, Vishrantwadi, Lohgaon, Wagholi, and the busy IT corridor near Maan.
The focus behind setting up these depots is clear—making public transport more efficient and sustainable. With Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad expanding rapidly, the need for a modern, environment-friendly transport system has become more important than ever. The electric buses from these new depots will not only provide smoother connectivity but also contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
In addition to the new depots, the state government also announced a major expansion of the bus fleet. Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd. (PMPML) will soon add 1,500 new buses. Out of these, 500 will be CNG buses funded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and local municipal corporations, and 1,000 electric buses will be brought in under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. This expansion supports the ‘Green Maharashtra’ mission, which is all about cutting down pollution and promoting sustainable travel. Passengers can also look forward to traveling in new AC CNG buses, making everyday commutes more comfortable.
At present, PMPML operates a fleet of 1,967 buses that cover an impressive 3.1 lakh kilometers every day and cater to around 12.5 lakh passengers. With the addition of Charholi and Maan, PMPML now has a total of 17 bus depots. The organization isn’t stopping here. It’s also pushing towards digital upgrades, such as enhancing its mobile app and planning to introduce AI-enabled conductor-less smart buses to make traveling even safer and more convenient.
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These efforts are a part of a larger plan to transform Pune’s urban transport network. Alongside bus fleet expansion, work is underway on metro extensions, inner and outer ring road constructions, and other infrastructure projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion. As the city continues to grow, these initiatives are seen as essential to keep pace with the increasing demands on the transport system.
The inauguration of the new electric bus depots at Charholi and Maan is not just about adding more buses. It’s a major push towards cleaner, smarter, and more efficient public transport in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The city is clearly moving towards a future where sustainable travel will play a key role in everyday life, offering residents better connectivity, cleaner air, and a smoother commute.
