by datta Nighut 
Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, is making big changes to its public transport. Through the Green Maharashtra Vision, the city is adding more electric buses (e-buses) and growing its metro system. These steps will help cut down pollution, reduce traffic jams, and make getting around easier for everyone. With new e-bus depots, more buses, and extra metro lines, Pune is building a cleaner, greener future for all.
New Electric Bus Depots to Boost Public Transport
On April 27, 2025, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated two new e-bus depots in Pune. These depots, located in Charholi Budruk and Mann, are part of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) initiative to strengthen the city’s public transport system. The depots will support 30 e-buses from Charholi and 30 from Mann, with plans to add more in the future.
The introduction of these depots reflects the state’s commitment to eco-friendly transport. Ajit Pawar emphasized that the Green Maharashtra Vision focuses on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development. By switching to electric buses, Pune aims to cut down on air pollution caused by diesel-powered vehicles. The new depots will also create jobs and improve the reliability of bus services across the city.
PMPML is not stopping at just two depots. The organization plans to introduce 1,500 new e-buses to its fleet over the next few years. These buses will serve both Pune and neighboring Pimpri-Chinchwad, covering key routes to reduce dependence on private vehicles. This move is expected to make public transport more accessible and affordable for residents.
Expanding the Pune Metro Network
Alongside e-buses, Pune is rapidly expanding its metro rail network to address the city’s growing traffic problems. The Pune Metro, managed by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), currently operates two lines: the Purple Line (PCMC to Swargate) and the Aqua Line (Vanaz to Ramwadi). As of November 2024, these lines cover 33 kilometers and serve millions of commuters.
The state government recently approved several new metro routes to further improve connectivity. In October 2024, two key extensions were greenlit:
- Nal Stop to Warje-Manikbaug: A 6.1-kilometer elevated line to serve residents of Sinhagad Road.
- Khadakwasla to Kharadi via Swargate and Hadapsar: A 25.5-kilometer elevated line to connect the city’s outskirts.
These routes are part of Pune Metro’s Phase 2, which spans 31.64 kilometers and is estimated to cost Rs. 9,897.19 crore. The government has allocated Rs. 1 crore to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for these extensions. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2031.
Other proposed routes include:
- Vanaz to Chandni Chowk (1.12 kilometers)
- Ramwadi to Wagholi (11.63 kilometers)
- PCMC to Nigdi (4.4 kilometers)
- Swargate to Katraj (5 kilometers)
These extensions will bring metro services to crowded areas like Hinjewadi, Kharadi, and Hadapsar, where traffic congestion is a daily challenge. The Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar line, a 23-kilometer route, is set to open in September 2025. This line will provide direct access to the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, a major employment hub.
The Green Maharashtra Vision
The Green Maharashtra Vision is at the heart of Pune’s transport upgrades. This initiative, championed by the state government, aims to make Maharashtra’s cities more sustainable and livable. By investing in electric buses and metro systems, Pune is reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and tackling air pollution. The vision also includes plans for better roads, such as the Pune Ring Road and the upcoming Inner Ring Road, to ease traffic flow.
The state and central governments are working together to fund these projects. For example, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is covering 50% of the cost for preparing DPRs for metro extensions. The European Investment Bank has also provided a €150 million loan to support the Pune Metro’s construction. These partnerships ensure that the city has the resources to achieve its green goals.
Benefits for Pune’s Residents
The expansion of e-buses and metro lines will bring several benefits to Pune’s residents:
- Reduced Pollution: Electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, improving air quality in a city where pollution levels are a growing concern.
- Less Traffic: With more people using public transport, fewer private vehicles will clog the roads, reducing travel time.
- Affordable Travel: Metro and bus fares are lower than the cost of fuel for cars or bikes, making public transport a budget-friendly option.
- Better Connectivity: New metro routes and bus services will connect distant neighborhoods to the city center, making it easier to commute to work or school.
For example, the new e-bus routes will serve areas like Baner, Balewadi, and Kothrud, where demand for public transport is high. The metro extensions will also benefit students, professionals, and daily wage workers who rely on affordable transport options.
Challenges and Solutions
While the projects are promising, they face some challenges. The Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro line, originally set to open in March 2025, was delayed due to election-related restrictions and land acquisition issues. To address this, the PMRDA has requested an extension until September 2025 and is speeding up construction.
Another challenge is integrating e-buses and metro systems with last-mile connectivity. Many commuters need affordable options to travel from metro stations or bus stops to their final destinations. To solve this, MahaMetro is introducing e-auto rickshaws at select metro stations. These electric rickshaws, inspired by similar services in Delhi, will provide a cheap and eco-friendly way to cover short distances. Currently, Pune has only 170 registered passenger e-rickshaws, but MahaMetro plans to increase this number.
Public acceptance is also crucial. In the past, e-rickshaws faced resistance from traditional auto drivers, which limited their popularity. To overcome this, PMPML and MahaMetro are engaging with local communities and raising awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles.
A Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Pune
In January 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced a 30-year Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Pune district. This ambitious plan, costing Rs. 1,26,489 crore, aims to transform the region’s transport system. Key features include:
- 276 kilometers of new metro routes, including a High-Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR).
- 6,000 new buses, with a focus on electric models.
- 641 kilometers of new bus routes to improve connectivity across 20,000 square kilometers.
- Six new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes to ensure faster bus services.
The CMP will be implemented in three phases, with the goal of meeting the transport needs of Pune’s growing population. By 2050, the city expects to have a fully integrated public transport system that reduces dependence on private vehicles and promotes sustainability.
Community and Government Support
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the transport upgrades. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised to review the progress of metro projects regularly to ensure timely completion. Citizens’ groups, such as Save Pune Traffic Movement, support the introduction of e-autos and e-buses but stress the need for better last-mile connectivity.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also played a role in shaping Pune’s transport policies. For instance, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) has worked with PMPML to improve bus services over the years. Their efforts have helped make Pune’s public transport system more efficient and user-friendly.
Looking Ahead
Pune’s e-bus and metro expansions are a significant step toward a greener, more connected city. By 2031, the metro network is expected to cover over 80 kilometers, with Phase 2 routes fully operational. The addition of 1,500 e-buses and new depots will further strengthen PMPML’s services, making public transport the preferred choice for commuters.
These projects align with India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development. As Pune grows, the Green Maharashtra Vision will ensure that the city remains a leader in eco-friendly transport. Residents can look forward to cleaner air, smoother commutes, and a higher quality of life in the years to come.
For more information on Pune’s transport projects, visit the official websites of MahaMetro (www.punemetrorail.org) and PMPML. Stay updated on the latest developments as Pune continues its journey toward a sustainable future.
Sources:
- Construction World: Pune Expands E-Bus, Metro Projects Under Green Maharashtra Vision
- Pune Mirror: Pune Expands Transport Services with E-Buses and Metro Projects
- Indian Express: Ajit Pawar Inaugurates E-Bus Depots in Pune
- Native Planet: Pune Boosts Public Transport with Electric Bus Depots
- Punekar News: Pune to Expand Public Transit with Electric Bus Routes and Metro Lines
- ITDP: PMPML’s Journey Through Time
- Indian Express: Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Pune
- X Post by @abhirammodak on Comprehensive Mobility Plan
