Maharashtra to Replace All MSRTC Buses With Electric Vehicles by 2035
Pune, 11th June 2025: In a major announcement for public transport users across Maharashtra, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik declared that all Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses will be converted to electric within the next decade.
Speaking in Pune, he said that aging buses will be phased out in a step-by-step manner and replaced with new, modern buses. The modernization of depots and a major upgrade in safety and hygiene standards will also begin within two months.
While addressing the media during his visit to Pune on Wednesday, Minister Sarnaik laid out a comprehensive vision for the transformation of MSRTC. “We are planning to induct 5,000 new buses, out of which 1,000 will be electric initially. By 2029, the fleet will expand to 25,000 buses, and in the coming years, all buses in the ST fleet will be electric,” he said.
Smart Buses with Enhanced Safety
Sarnaik emphasized that these smart buses will come equipped with modern amenities and safety features. Referring to recent incidents like the Swargate tragedy, he said mechanisms will be installed to prevent unauthorized entry into buses. He also stressed the need for emergency response systems in case of fire or other hazards.
MSRTC’s Financial Recovery Plan
Touching on the financial challenges faced by the MSRTC, the minister revealed that the corporation currently faces an accumulated loss of ₹11,000 crore. A white paper will soon be issued to highlight past inefficiencies and outline the roadmap for financial and operational recovery. “Improvements won’t be immediate, but gradual over the next two and a half years,” he stated.
Bus Ownership Model and Future Vision
Rejecting the leasing model, Sarnaik stated that ST Corporation will retain ownership of the new buses. In some locations, buses will even be manufactured specifically for MSRTC, he added.
Support from Finance Minister Ajit Pawar
Addressing political speculation around inter-party tensions in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Sarnaik brushed aside any suggestions of discord. “Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been generous in allocating funds to the Transport Department. Perhaps it’s because I’ve worked with him before as a colleague. I can’t speak for other departments, but we have no funding issues,” he said.
He reiterated that there is no dissatisfaction within the Mahayuti alliance and decisions related to upcoming local body elections will be taken jointly by the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers.
Spotlight on E-Vehicle Policy at Major Transport Conference
The minister was speaking at the Commercial Vehicle Forum 2025, one of India’s largest conferences focused on commercial and road transport. As the chief guest, Sarnaik highlighted the state’s recently announced E-Vehicle Policy, aimed at boosting EV manufacturing and encouraging widespread adoption. He underlined Maharashtra’s leadership in the country’s vehicle manufacturing sector.
