PMPML's new CMD tells officials to devise a plan to bring down e-bus breakdowns within a month
As many as 160 e-buses, inducted into the fleet of
Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal
Ltd (PMPML) in 2019, have been facing multiple breakdowns, raising concern among officials of the transport utility.
According to figures provided by PMPML, June recorded a total of 1,127 e-bus breakdowns. Till July 22, 961 e-bus breakdowns were recorded.
The transport utility's joint managing director, Nitin Narvekar, admitted e-buses were encountering many breakdowns. "Presently, the e-bus fleet consists of 490 buses operated by private contractors. In 2019, these buses were inducted, and 160 of them joined the fleet in the first phase. These buses are facing multiple breakdowns mainly due to their degrading batteries. We are considering ways to salvage them," the official told TOI.
He added that they were trying to conduct battery balancing in these buses to reduce breakdowns. "This is an option we are considering. We will be talking to all private contractors to find a way to reduce the breakdowns. Most buses belonging to private contractors are facing breakdowns. However, e-buses are a concern, and we are looking at other ways to contain the situation," the senior official said.
Officials said battery balancing in EVs ensures that all the cells in the battery pack charge and discharge at the same rate, thus maximising their capacity and extending battery lifespan.
"Recently, the e-bus I was travelling in suddenly stopped and then did not start. I am paying fares and want proper service. PMPML got e-buses before many other public transport utilities in the country, and it is their job to maintain them properly. The administration is still not serious about controlling the breakdowns," Keshav Rajguru, a resident of Camp said.
Senior PMPML officials said Deore recently sent a letter to the Maharashtra chief secretary regarding changes in depot development plan. "The plan was announced around 2-3 years ago and involved private parties being leased land in PMPML depots for setting up commercial establishments for a period of 30 years. The same would be done under BoT (build-operate-transfer) model. The letter mentioned that the lease needed to be increased to 60 years, and only then would it attract private players, and PMPML would get non-fare revenue," another official said.
Pune: Pankaj Deore, the new chairman and managing director of PMPML, has directed officials to devise a plan to bring down the number of e-bus breakdowns within a month.
As many as 160 e-buses, inducted into the fleet of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) in 2019, have been facing multiple breakdowns, raising concern among officials of the transport utility.
According to figures provided by PMPML, June recorded a total of 1,127 e-bus breakdowns. Till July 22, 961 e-bus breakdowns were recorded.
The transport utility's joint managing director, Nitin Narvekar, admitted e-buses were encountering many breakdowns. "Presently, the e-bus fleet consists of 490 buses operated by private contractors. In 2019, these buses were inducted, and 160 of them joined the fleet in the first phase. These buses are facing multiple breakdowns mainly due to their degrading batteries. We are considering ways to salvage them," the official told TOI.
He added that they were trying to conduct battery balancing in these buses to reduce breakdowns. "This is an option we are considering. We will be talking to all private contractors to find a way to reduce the breakdowns. Most buses belonging to private contractors are facing breakdowns. However, e-buses are a concern, and we are looking at other ways to contain the situation," the senior official said.
Officials said battery balancing in EVs ensures that all the cells in the battery pack charge and discharge at the same rate, thus maximising their capacity and extending battery lifespan.
"Recently, the e-bus I was travelling in suddenly stopped and then did not start. I am paying fares and want proper service. PMPML got e-buses before many other public transport utilities in the country, and it is their job to maintain them properly. The administration is still not serious about controlling the breakdowns," Keshav Rajguru, a resident of Camp said.
Senior PMPML officials said Deore recently sent a letter to the Maharashtra chief secretary regarding changes in depot development plan. "The plan was announced around 2-3 years ago and involved private parties being leased land in PMPML depots for setting up commercial establishments for a period of 30 years. The same would be done under BoT (build-operate-transfer) model. The letter mentioned that the lease needed to be increased to 60 years, and only then would it attract private players, and PMPML would get non-fare revenue," another official said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Qatar boosts green mobility with 300+ fast EV chargers that charge up to 80% in just 30 mins
Kahramaa announced that Qatar has surpassed 300 fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers/Image: File TL;DR: Qatar has installed over 300 fast EV chargers nationwide as of 1 August 2025 under its green mobility initiative. These DC fast chargers deliver high-power, rapid charging, often bringing EV batteries from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes. This infrastructure supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting clean transport, reducing emissions, and enhancing convenience through digital tools. On 1 August 2025, Kahramaa, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, announced that Qatar has surpassed 300 fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers, a major milestone in building a robust EV ecosystem aligned with its sustainability goals. During a community engagement event at Al Thumama's Kahramaa Awareness Park, engineers and EV users gathered to assess charger performance, usability, and discuss future expansions. The mobile app showcased allows users to track charging sessions, receive real‑time updates, and report issues, increasing transparency and control for EV drivers. Kahramaa officials emphasised that public feedback will shape further infrastructure enhancements. Looking ahead, plans include expanding charger availability in residential areas, shopping malls, and public parking zones to meet growing demand from EV owners. What are EV chargers and what makes them 'fast'? EV chargers, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), come in two major types: AC chargers and DC chargers. AC chargers (Level 1 & 2) supply alternating current which is converted within the vehicle's onboard charger before entering the battery, these are slower and typically used at homes or offices. DC fast chargers bypass the vehicle's converter and feed direct current straight to the battery—offering power outputs ranging from 50 kW to over 350 kW and enabling rapid charging. Charging speeds are categorized as: Level 1 (trickle charging): Adds about 2–5 miles of range per hour. Level 2: Delivers 10–30 miles of range per hour, suitable for overnight residential charging. Level 3 (DC fast charging): Adds 20–60+ miles in just 15–30 minutes; ultra-fast chargers can deliver over 150 kW for even quicker fill-ups. These fast chargers installed in Qatar fall under Level 3: high-voltage DC units capable of charging most EVs to 80% in under 30 minutes, ideal for roadside use, malls, and strategic hubs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Why this expansion is important for Qatar Supporting National Vision 2030 The EV charging rollout aligns with Qatar's broader strategy to diversify energy use, lower carbon emissions, and nurture sustainable mobility avenues. Enhancing Convenience and Reliability Fast DC chargers reduce range anxiety, making EV ownership more practical, especially given that most users rely on public infrastructure while apartment charging remains limited. Smart Infrastructure and User Engagement Kahramaa's mobile app, data tracking, and community dialogue models reinforce a user-centric approach, ensuring charger performance evolves with feedback. Broader context: EV charging explained EVSE devices support various connector standards: CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO, Type 2, and Tesla's proprietary plugs, which differ regionally. Smart chargers can optimise grid load, schedule charging during lower-tariff hours, and monitor performance, all of which are essential for modern EV networks). The global EV charging landscape still navigates challenges like standardizing connectors and ensuring equitable access—a concern highlighted by users in Qatar living in apartments where charging access remains sparse. Future outlook for Qatar's EV ecosystem Continued rollout of fast chargers in high-density and public zones to keep pace with rising EV adoption. Broader integration of smart payment and scheduling tools, possibly incorporating Plug & Charge features like ISO 15118 for automatic billing and authentication. Strategic planning to avoid grid strain as ultra-fast chargers proliferate, balancing speed and sustainability goals. Qatar's surpassing of 300 fast EV chargers marks a significant stride toward electrified transport under its Vision 2030 blueprint. These high-speed DC chargers offer rapid refueling, increased convenience, and drive cleaner mobility choices. Supported by smart apps, infrastructure engagement, and expansion plans, Qatar is accelerating into a greener transport future.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
21k killed in 34k road accidents in U'khand since 2000; 25% in Doon, highest fatalities in US Nagar
1 2 Dehradun: Since its formation in 2000, Uttarakhand has recorded 34,014 road accidents, according to data obtained by TOI through an RTI query filed by Dehradun-based social activist Anoop Nautiyal. Dehradun accounts for nearly 25% of these mishaps, with 8,314 incidents, while Udham Singh Nagar has reported the highest fatalities, followed by Haridwar. In 2023, Dehradun registered around 28% of all road accidents in the state (481 out of 1,691), a share that rose to 29% in 2024 (511 out of 1,747). The capital also leads in accident-related injuries. In 2024, 431 people were injured in Dehradun, representing 28% of the state's total (1,547). The figures for 2023 and 2022 stood at 27% and 23%, respectively. "There is a flurry of action from authorities only after events of casualties. Road engineering should be an integral element of a city, but that is severely lacking in Dehradun. In 2024, nearly 30% of the state's 1,747 accidents occurred in Dehradun alone — almost five every day. These rash driving accidents should not be seen in isolation. While many are caused by human error, others stem from lack of red lights, potholes, or poor road engineering. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I thought my dad was 'boring'. Now, I'm learning that boring stuff is often what matters most CNA Read More Undo Hardly ever is the action-taken report made public," said Nautiyal. The recent death of a woman on a two-wheeler after being hit by a speeding bus near ISBT has once again highlighted the menace of rash driving. Residents blame increasing vehicle numbers on the road, limited infrastructure and lack of enforcement for the growing chaos. "For us, getting onto the main Rajpur road is a struggle. Drivers refuse to slow down or give way. Over-tourism has worsened the problem, with infrastructure lagging behind vehicle growth. Everyone is in a rush," said Bharti Jain, an architect from the Rajpur area. Residents also said that social media trends have contributed to the spike in speeding and rash driving. According to data shared by the Dehradun traffic police, 1,867 challans were issued for rash driving in 2023, 1,564 in 2024, and 1,460 till June this year. SP (Traffic) Lokjeet Singh said enforcement is a priority. "We have formed a dedicated team patrolling the city in civil dress. In July alone, we identified 21 offenders and will soon issue challans. We will continue such exercises to ensure safe driving in the city," he said. However, the increasing numbers in recent years present a worrisome trend when it comes to road safety in the capital. Out of 21,625 road deaths since 2001, almost 25% (5,334) have occurred in Udham Singh Nagar, followed by Haridwar (4,783). The fatality number for the capital remains slightly lower at 3,766. Sushil Gava, a social activist, told TOI that the reasons for these fatalities are alarming — blatant flouting of traffic rules, overspeeding, drunk driving, and overloading are rampant, especially among commercial vehicles. "Most accidents occur on isolated highways or rural stretches where there's no CCTV surveillance, and poor lighting, delaying critical first aid. The absence of trauma centres, ill-equipped ambulances, and lack of trained emergency responders further exacerbates the situation. Pothole-ridden roads, encroachments, and unregulated auto and e-rickshaw movement in urban pockets only add to the chaos. Without systemic reforms and accountability, this crisis will only deepen," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Surat targets 50% electric vehicles share on roads by 2030
Surat: Taking a step further in promoting environment-friendly transport in the Diamond City, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday launched the Green Vehicle Policy (GVP) 2025 on Friday, setting an ambitious target of at least 50% of all total vehicle sales being electric by 2030. Replacing the earlier Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2021, the new framework focuses on the adoption of different alternate fuels like hydrogen-powered vehicles, biofuel-based vehicles, along with EVs. The policy will be implemented for a period of five years. To support the growing number of EV vehicles, over 460 charging stations will be established across the city, ensuring that there is at least one station per sq km, incentivising e-vehicle purchase through subsidies and creating necessary infrastructure. Direct incentives in the form of subsidies will be provided to commercial electric three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and pink e-autos for women entrepreneurs. Subsidies will vary by vehicle type and segment, making adoption economically viable. Incentives also include exemption from vehicle tax. SMC will create a green vehicle cell, which will coordinate the implementation of the policy through a structured governance framework, including a technical committee and monitoring teams. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mexico: New Senior Apartments (Prices May Surprise You) Senior Apartments | Search Ads Search Now Undo A dedicated Green Vehicle Fund will also be formed, pooling resources from municipal funding, green bonds, CSR contributions, carbon financing, and govt grants. The cell will include officials from SMC, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), electricity distribution companies, traffic police, the members of The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and experts. "The GVP25 aligns with India's net-zero carbon goals and serves as a roadmap to make Surat a climate-resilient and environmentally-friendly urban centre. Through a combination of technological adoption, public-private collaboration, and citizen engagement, we aim to lead the green mobility revolution in the state," said Rajan Patel, chairman, Standing Committee. Additionally, the policy envisions the creation of green zones and mobility corridors to improve air quality and promote non-polluting transportation options. The development of GV manufacturing and assembling units locally will be promoted. The policy has a scope of projects for battery recycling. Future expansion plans include hydrogen and biofuel technologies through a structured roadmap focused on technology adaptation, infrastructure growth, and demand creation. To enable a seamless experience for EV users, a network of 460 public charging stations will be deployed using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Digital platforms, including a One EV App and a web portal, will streamline services and bring transparency to stakeholders. The city will also host a GV Expo on Sept 8, showcasing innovations in GV technology and charging infrastructure. Special focus will be placed on training for safety protocols and emergency response SOPs.
