Centre clears purchase of 1,000 electric buses for Pune under PM E-DRIVE scheme

Pune: In a major boost to Pune’s public transport system, the Central government has approved the purchase of 1,000 electric buses for the city under the PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. The move aims to strengthen the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) fleet, reduce air pollution and promote green mobility across the metropolitan region.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, union minister Murlidhar Mohol said the approval marks a significant step towards making public transport in Pune more sustainable and commuter-friendly. “The new electric buses will not only expand the PMPML fleet but also help decongest roads and bring down vehicular emissions,” the Pune BJP MP said in a statement.

According to Mohol, union minister for heavy industries HD Kumaraswamy gave the final nod to the PMPML proposal, which covers Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and other areas under the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Currently, PMPML operates around 2,000 buses, of which approximately 750 are owned by the corporation while the rest are run by contractors. Officials said the city needs at least 3,000 buses to cater to the growing commuter demand.

Mohol, who has been pursuing the proposal with both state and central authorities, said his recent meetings with Kumaraswamy and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis played a crucial role in securing the sanction. “I had requested chief minister Fadnavis to communicate with the Reserve Bank of India to ensure financial readiness. After PMPML submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, I personally met minister Kumaraswamy in New Delhi two weeks ago, leading to an expedited approval,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on integrated and sustainable transport infrastructure, noting that the Pune Metro currently runs over a 32-km network, with work on the Shivajinagar–Hinjawadi line progressing steadily and new extensions approved.

“While metro connectivity continues to expand, enhancing PMPML’s capacity remains a top priority. With this approval in place, efforts will now be directed towards the early induction of electric buses to benefit daily commuters,” said Mohol, who also serves as minister of state for civil aviation and cooperation.

(with inputs from agencies)