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The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is set to upgrade its fleet with the addition of 400 new CNG buses by January 2025, while phasing out 327 old buses that have exceeded their operational lifespan. A new contractor has been awarded the tender to supply these buses, ensuring seamless operations during the transition. Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director of PMPML, stated, As we retire old buses, the new CNG buses will be introduced simultaneously to avoid disruptions. The tender for 400 contract CNG buses has been finalised, and they will be added to the fleet by January or the first week of February next year. PMPML's fleet currently includes approximately 2,000 buses, with 1,005 owned by the corporation and around 950 on contract from four different vendors. These buses serve routes across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and rural areas, comprising a mix of CNG and electric vehicles. Earlier this year, PMPML ended contracts with two of its seven contractors, leading to the withdrawal of 233 buses from service. Additionally, 60 buses reached their 12-year lifespan in June, and 327 buses currently over 12 years old are slated for scrapping under PMPML's policy. Regular commuter Mandakini Ahire expressed frustration over low bus frequency on certain routes, such as Swargate to Dhayari via Sinhagad. We often wait over half an hour for buses during evening peak hours. PMPML should increase the number of buses to improve frequency, she said. The introduction of new CNG buses is expected to address such issues, enhance service reliability, and contribute to sustainable urban transport in the Pune region. (Hindustan Times)