E-Laalpari: MSRTC Targets 100% Electric Bus Fleet
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has set a target of making its bus fleet 100% electric by 2037, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said.
Around 5,000 diesel buses currently set to join the fleet will be the last such buses, after which electric buses will be added in increasing numbers.
The plan was discussed at the 312th meeting of the ST Corporation’s Board of Directors at its headquarters.
According to Sarnaik, a campaign will begin in 2027 to gradually replace buses that have been in use for seven to eight years with electric buses.
New e-buses will also be purchased on a large scale according to passenger transport requirements.
The corporation has started the process of setting up charging stations, electrical infrastructure and technical systems required for the growing electric bus fleet.
The purchase of e-buses and development of charging facilities will be planned depot-wise and carried out in parallel.
Sarnaik said reducing dependence on diesel is part of the corporation’s plan to develop a clean, green and modern public transport system while continuing to serve villages across Maharashtra.
“The Laal Pari, which runs to every corner of Maharashtra, will become the ‘E-Laal Pari’ of a green Maharashtra in the future,” Sarnaik said.
