The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has greenlighted a proposal for a trial of the Electric Rapid Transit System (ERTS). This trial will take place on a 17-kilometer route connecting Godown Chowk in Moshi to Wakad, effectively linking the Pune-Nashik and Pune-Mumbai highways.
This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options in the region, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable transit solutions. The decision was made during a general body meeting on Wednesday.
“A PMPML bus can carry around 60 to 70 passengers, while an ERTS vehicle can carry around 240.
PCMC joint city engineer Bapusaheb Gaikwad said the trial would be undertaken as a pilot project and may be expanded across the city, if successful. The Godown Chowk-Moshi to Wakad stretch has been selected as it is already part of the BRT network,” he said. Officials said the system would offer a transit experience similar to a tram, while continuing to run on rubber tyres. “There will be no need for additional infrastructure, allowing the system to be implemented relatively quickly,” Gaikwad said. He said ERTS vehicles would have significantly higher passenger capacity than conventional buses.
The pilot project is proposed on the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. It follows chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ’s directions to examine feasibility of introducing ERTS in Pimpri Chinchwad and cities of Maharashtra , subsequently. “The CM has directed Maha Metro to implement the system instead of PMPML. The existing BRT stretches will be used for trials. The electric vehicles can be charged at depots for which facilities will be established.”
Civic officials said the proposed route would begin at Godown Chowk on the Nashik Road side and proceed via Spine Road towards the Telco Company. A senior PCMC official said they were aiming to complete the trial and, if successful, make the service operational within the next one to one and half years. It would then pass through PSB Chowk and Auto Cluster before reaching Kalewadi Phata and Wakad.