The state transport corporation announced that around 5,000 diesel buses currently being added to its fleet will be the last diesel buses to be procured. After this, MSRTC plans to gradually shift completely to electric buses.
MSRTC currently operates around 14,000 buses, including about 1,100 electric buses. Around 5,000 older buses will also be scrapped in phases as per the applicable rules.
The corporation is planning another major step from 2027. Older buses that have completed around seven to eight years of service will be considered for conversion into electric vehicles.
Diesel buses generally have a service life of around 15 years, while electric buses can operate for around 20 years. MSRTC expects the shift to electric vehicles to help reduce its fuel expenses over time.
To support the transition, work on depot-wise charging stations and the required electrical infrastructure has already started. The corporation is also procuring new electric buses on a large scale.
MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik said the ST network connects villages across Maharashtra and the aim is to reduce dependence on diesel while creating a cleaner and modern public transport system.
With the planned transition, Maharashtra’s iconic ‘Lalpari’ buses are expected to gradually become the ‘E-Lalpari’, marking a major shift towards electric public transport.
read more at mumbaipune.co.in
