PMPML looks at sustainable transport solutions

Planning to convert 233 of its diesel-run mid-sized buses to CNG, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is looking at sustainable transport solutions in the face of high and continuously rising fuel prices. Operating 233 diesel midi-buses, 327 standard diesel buses, 815 CNG buses and another 806 buses through contractors, the organisation is claimed to have chalked out a plan to convert existing diesel buses to CNG with an ROI of one year. It is claimed to have started talks pertaining to this with Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). PMPML, claim sources, is also in the process of procuring 450 new midi electric buses by the end of this year. Of these, some 300 e-buses will be used for the feeder system of the upcoming Pune Metro project, inform sources. On the back of modified FAME II scheme, the organisation is taking the opportunity to procure more number of e-buses. It already has a fleet of 150 such buses. Orders to procure 150 more under the FAME-I scheme, and another 350 through municipal corporations is already in progress.