The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has set an ambitious target of converting its entire bus fleet to electric vehicles by 2037, marking a planned shift away from diesel-powered public transport across the state.
The state-run transport undertaking said approximately 5,000 diesel buses expected to be added to its fleet will be the last such vehicles purchased. After this, MSRTC plans to progressively transition to electric buses and eventually operate an entirely electric fleet.
MSRTC currently operates around 14,000 buses, including approximately 1,100 electric vehicles. Around 5,000 older buses are also scheduled to be retired in phases as they reach the prescribed limits under applicable regulations.
As part of the transition, MSRTC plans to begin converting older buses into electric vehicles from 2027. The initiative will focus on buses that have completed around seven to eight years of service. While conventional diesel buses typically have a service life of about 15 years, electric buses are expected to operate for nearly 20 years, potentially helping the corporation reduce fuel-related expenditure over time.
The corporation is also developing supporting infrastructure alongside fleet electrification. Charging stations are being planned and deployed on a depot-wise basis, along with the electrical systems required to operate a larger electric fleet.
MSRTC is simultaneously procuring new electric buses as it works towards modernising its public transport network. The transition is expected to bring cleaner vehicles and updated passenger services across Maharashtra.
“ST is a service connecting every village in Maharashtra. Our resolve is to completely end reliance on diesel and build a clean, green, and modern public transport system,” said MSRTC chairperson Pratap Sarnaik.
He added that Maharashtra’s familiar “Lalpari” buses could eventually become the “E-Lalpari” as the corporation moves towards a fully electric network.
The proposed transition will require sustained investment in charging infrastructure, fleet replacement and vehicle maintenance as MSRTC progressively reduces its dependence on diesel. If implemented according to the current roadmap, the state transport corporation aims to complete the shift to a 100% electric fleet by 2037.
Source: Times of India
