MSRTC to Roll Out 200 New Volvos as Shivneri Brand Expands Across the State

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has initiated the procurement of 200 new Volvo buses to expand its premium Shivneri intercity bus service to eight additional routes across Maharashtra.

Marking one of the largest upgrades to the state’s premium public transport network in recent years.

The expansion was announced by Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, who said the move will extend the Shivneri brand beyond the traditional Mumbai–Pune corridor and bring premium bus connectivity to several major cities across the state.

200 New Volvo Buses Under Procurement

To support the expansion, MSRTC has begun the tender process to procure 200 technologically advanced Volvo buses equipped with modern safety and passenger comfort features.

Out of the total fleet being procured:

• 170 buses will be standard AC Volvo coaches
• 30 buses will be sleeper coaches

The Sleeper Shivneri buses will be deployed on long-distance routes currently served by non-AC sleeper buses, offering improved passenger comfort with modern berth layouts, upgraded safety systems, and enhanced onboard technology.

Shivneri to Launch on 8 New Routes

Once the new buses are inducted into the fleet, Shivneri services will begin operating on the following intercity routes across Maharashtra:

• Nashik – Pune
• Nashik – Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
• Nashik – Jalgaon – Dhule
• Pune – Kolhapur
• Pune – Sangli
• Pune – Solapur
• Nagpur – Chandrapur
• Nagpur – Amravati – Akola

The rollout aims to provide premium, reliable intercity travel options for passengers across different regions of the state.

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Shivneri Service Background

The Shivneri bus service, launched in 2002, has built a strong commuter base due to its punctual operations, comfortable seating, and safety standards.

Despite ticket fares being higher than regular MSRTC services, the service has remained financially sustainable due to consistent passenger demand.

It is widely known for operating on the Mumbai–Pune corridor, where it became one of the most preferred premium public transport options for intercity commuters.

Electric e-Shivneri Services Already Operational

MSRTC has also introduced electric e-Shivneri buses as part of its transition toward cleaner mobility.

The electric buses currently operate on six routes:

• Dadar – Swargate
• Dadar – Shivajinagar
• Borivali – Swargate
• Borivali – Shivajinagar
• Thane – Swargate
• Thane – Shivajinagar

According to officials, the e-Shivneri services have received positive commuter response, particularly due to reduced noise, improved ride quality, and lower emissions.

Passenger Concessions Continue

Shivneri services will continue to offer fare concessions to certain passenger categories:

• Women passengers – 50% fare discount
• Senior citizens aged 65–75 – 50% discount
• Senior citizens above 75 – Free travel