Pune: MSRTC To Scrap 72 Defunct Shivshahi And Shivneri Buses, Auction Scheduled For March 21
Pune, 13th March 2025: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to scrap 72 old and non-functional Shivshahi and Shivneri buses in Pune. These buses, which have reached the end of their operational life, will be auctioned on 21st March through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation (MSTC), a central government agency. MSRTC estimates that the auction could generate around ₹2.5 to ₹3 crore in revenue.
The decision follows concerns over security lapses at Swargate Bus Depot after a Swargate Rape Case incident. In response, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik directed that all defunct and non-operational buses across Maharashtra should be scrapped by 15th April. In Pune, these 72 buses have been lying unused for over a year, occupying valuable space and becoming a target for theft and misuse.
The presence of these buses has also caused logistical issues at the MSRTC’s Pune divisional office on Shankarsheth Road, which is located near Swargate Bus Depot. The depot has electric bus charging stations, but the defunct buses have been obstructing parking space and hampering expansion plans. To address these concerns, MSRTC has expedited the scrapping process to free up space for newer, environment-friendly Shivai buses, 30 of which have already been added to the fleet.
As per government regulations, the auction will take place through the official MSTC website. Buyers can bid for the buses either in their current condition or for individual parts such as seats, metal components, engines, oil, tires, and electrical systems. The highest bidder will be awarded the contract, and the buses will be removed and scrapped within a stipulated timeframe.
Scrapping outdated buses is a routine process for MSRTC. In 2024, the corporation scrapped 240 old buses from 14 depots, earning ₹8.5 crore in revenue. With this latest initiative, MSRTC aims to improve efficiency, clear up depot space, and enhance the overall infrastructure for public transport in Pune.
