The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has received in-principle approval to expand its fleet with 25,000 new self-owned red buses over the next five years. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has given the proposal his nod, paving the way for a formal presentation soon.
The proposal was discussed during a review meeting for the Transport Department ahead of the 2025-26 state budget on Tuesday. In the meeting, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted that MSRTC currently operates 14,300 buses, of which 10,000 are over 10 years old and will be phased out in the next 3-4 years. To address this, a proposal was made for the procurement of 5,000 new buses annually, which will bring the total to 25,000 buses over the next five years.
According to transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged the urgency of the proposal and gave it his in-principle approval. He emphasized the need for MSRTC to become self-reliant by acquiring new buses to meet growing transportation demands across the state.
"The new buses will be added at a rate of 5,000 per year, boosting MSRTC's current fleet of approximately 14300 buses. This move is expected to enhance the state’s public transportation system, providing more reliable services to millions of daily commuters" said Sarnaik.
MSRTC operates one of the largest bus fleets in India, connecting towns and cities within Maharashtra and neighboring states. It offers a wide range of services, including ordinary, semi-luxury, and luxury buses, catering to diverse passenger needs.
In addition to the 25,000 new buses, Minister Sarnaik shared plans to add 5,000 electric buses by 2029, which will bring the total MSRTC fleet to 30,000 buses. "This expansion will help the corporation serve every village and ensure buses are available for all passengers, further improving connectivity across the state"added Sarnaik.
Minister Sarnaik also expressed his gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for his approval, describing it as a significant step forward for the millions who rely on MSRTC services. He added that this approval, given on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the late Anand Dighe, is a sweet gift for the people of Maharashtra, especially those who share a deep connection with the MSRTC.
