The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) undertaking has commenced the induction of 150 new CNG buses into its fleet, with the first batch of vehicles inaugurated at the Ghansoli depot by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik in the presence of Mayor Sujata Patil and Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat.
Also present on the occasion were Standing Committee Chairman Ashok Patil, Transport Committee Chairman Vikas Zanjad, Health Committee Chairman Dr Jayaji Nath, Water Supply Committee Chairman Ravikant Patil, Ward Committee Chairperson Lalita Madhavi, corporators, members of the Transport Committee and senior officials of the civic body.
The addition of the environmentally friendly and commuter-friendly CNG buses is expected to strengthen the public transport services offered by NMMT while contributing towards cleaner urban mobility.
NMMT currently operates a fleet of 416 buses. Of the 150 new CNG buses being inducted, 65 buses have already been received by the undertaking, while the remaining 85 buses are expected to be delivered in the coming months. During the inauguration programme, 51 CNG buses were formally flagged off.
Speaking on the occasion, Ganesh Naik said the new buses would provide commuters with safer, more comfortable and environmentally sustainable transport options while improving the quality and efficiency of public transport services in Navi Mumbai. He also noted that the shift towards CNG-powered vehicles would help reduce fuel costs and contribute towards environmental conservation.
Mayor Sujata Patil said the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) Social Development Department has initiated training for around 400 women to become bus drivers, with the aim of increasing women’s participation in public transport services and creating opportunities for women drivers to operate NMMT buses in the future. She also appreciated the efforts being made to provide reliable and safe public transport facilities to residents.
Transport Committee Chairman Vikas Zanjad highlighted various measures being undertaken to improve the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of the transport undertaking and said several decisions had been taken in the interest of drivers, conductors and employees associated with the service.
Those present at the programme appreciated the efforts of the transport undertaking and expressed hope that NMMT would continue to strengthen and modernise public transport services in the city.
Among the senior officials present were Transport Manager Umakant Jangle, Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Tushar Daundkar, Executive Engineer Vivek Achalkar and other officers of the transport undertaking.
