1 week Ago By Joy Sengupta
Pune: PMPML’s e-buses are accounting for 50% of breakdowns on an average per month owing to charging issues . “Half of the e-buses are failing to complete their daily trips due to low or no charge. The situation is of concern.
The transport body will increase the number of charging points at depots to deal with the situation,” Ramesh Chavan, chief engineer, PMPML , told TOI. These e-buses, first acquired in 2019, are operated by private contractors . PMPML operates a total of 1,927 buses.
Of these, 921 vehicles, including 295 e-buses, are operated by private contractors. All these buses run at least 10-12 trips throughout the day. In July, the buses operated by private contractors suffered breakdowns 1,607 times.
Of these, e-buses broke down 800 times. In June, the buses run by private contractors broke down on 1,204 occasions. E-buses grounded to a halt 600 times.
The number was almost the same in May. “We have instructed the company which had provided these buses to set up charging points in new depots such as Kothrud, Katraj, and Hinjewadi phase-2. Also, a charging point will come up near Wagholi depot.
If any bus is not able to complete its stipulated trip, it is put under the bracket of breakdowns,” the official added. Deepa Mudhol Munde, the CMD of the transport body, said, “Charging issues are cropping up due to continuous running of air conditioners, bus doors opening and closing repeatedly, and buses getting stuck in heavy traffic. We have already installed new charging points at the new Nigdi depot.
” The e-buses can run 200km to 225km on full charge. “There have been several instances when drivers have informed their superiors about their inability to complete a trip due to insufficient charge, resulting in cancellation of trips. With these additional charging points, we hope that buses will be able to complete their full trips,” another official said.
Pramod Kadam, a frequent commuter, said charging points need to come up at all depots bus stops too. Sanjay Shitole of PMP Pravasi Manch said, “What is stopping them from coming up with some 3-4 charging points in all depots? And why the state govt isn’t addressing this issue?.” We also published the following articles recently Commuters cry foul over rerouting KSRTC e-buses The KSRTC has redirected 15 electric buses from Thiruvananthapuram city routes to inter-district services, causing inconvenience for daily commuters.
Part of the Smart City initiative, these buses offered affordable and eco-friendly transport. Commuters are urging a reversal of this decision due to heightened traffic congestion and limited public transport options within the city. E-buses for missing link to metro stns, office hubs soon Noida Authority is preparing to introduce 100 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme to enhance connectivity with metro stations and key locations.
The initiative will operate on 13 routes connecting Noida with Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida. Plans include setting up bus depots and charging stations for efficient service. UPSRTC to run over 7k buses during Maha Kumbh UPSRTC is set to operate more than 7,000 buses dedicated to Maha Kumbh-2025 for devotees' convenience.
These buses will feature event-specific stickers and distribute informative pamphlets. The event runs from Jan 13 to Feb 26 in Prayagraj, divided into three phases. LED displays at bus stations will provide additional information.
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