The special Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) electric bus for the Sinhagad fort is anticipated to start from January. After this, no private vehicle can move inside the fort. The fare will cost around Rs 100 for the round trip for the e-bus.
“Initially, we plan to start with eight e-buses, operational only on weekends. Later, we shall increase the service to weekdays as well,” a PMPML official said.
Currently, commercial four-wheelers and other private vehicles carry passengers to the Sinhagad fort. Earlier Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar announced that only electric buses will be permitted.
“The state forest department has instructed to take steps, like making a parking lot in Golewadi and to train local youths to be tourist guides. Each bus going to the fort will have a tourist guide. Once these buses start, no private or commercial vehicles will be allowed on the weekends. However, on weekdays, other vehicles can go until the bus service becomes more frequent,” the official said.
The official added, “Presently, the commercial vehicles which are plying charge Rs120 for both ways. The PMPML is in discussion with the MSEB (Maharashtra State Electricity Board) towards coming up with a charging station near the main gate of the fort.”
