The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will procure 25,000 new buses over the next five years. Out of these, 20,000 buses will be operated by hybrid fuel systems, combining eco-friendly fuels like CNG and LNG with diesel. Diesel will be used only in emergency situations to ensure passenger convenience, announced Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman, Pratap Sarnaik, on Friday.
Speaking at a meeting with MSRTC officials and representatives of fuel supply companies regarding the use of alternative fuels, Sarnaik said that currently, most MSRTC buses run on diesel. Around 34% of the corporation's total expenditure goes towards fuel. Daily diesel consumption stands at approximately 10.7 lakh liters, amounting to an annual fuel cost of around Rs 34,000 crore.
Considering the fluctuating availability and prices of diesel in the future, it is essential to shift to alternative fuels. Compared to diesel, CNG and LNG are cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Buses running on CNG or LNG offer a fuel efficiency of 5–5.5 km per liter, as against 4 km per liter for diesel-powered buses. Thus, using CNG and LNG will help reduce both fuel expenses and pollution levels.
20% Discount on LNG Fuel
According to a previous agreement signed with Kings Gas Pvt. Ltd., MSRTC will receive LNG fuel at a rate 20% lower than the prevailing diesel price. This move is expected to save the corporation approximately Rs 235 crore annually.
"To ensure fuel supply, 90 LNG stations will be set up across the state, along with 20 CNG stations to be established by Mahanagar Gas Pvt. Ltd. MSRTC has invited proposals from bus manufacturers for hybrid buses compatible with diesel as well as LNG and CNG. The corporation is committed to adding such hybrid-fuel buses to its fleet in the coming years" further added Sarnaik.
