Maharashtra Government to Deploy 25,000 MSRTC New Buses, Transform 840 Depots into Modern Bus Ports
The Maharashtra government has announced plans to induct MSRTC new buses along with plans to modernise its overall fleet and depot infrastructure. Read more to find out details about the incoming buses, new proposed facilities for the depots, and more.
The announcement of MSRTC new buses is part of Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s major overhaul plan for the state-run bus service.
This targets a significant upgrade in fleet size, depot infrastructure, and sustainability — mirroring trends in public transport modernisation nationwide.
25,000 MSRTC New Buses in Five Years
MSRTC currently operates approximately 14,500 ageing diesel buses. To modernise its fleet, the state government plans to add 25,000 new buses over the next five years. 5,150 electric buses are slated to be inducted into the fleet soon.
These additions will include a 20,000-strong hybrid-fuel segment (CNG/LNG with diesel backup) within the first two years and 5,000 smart electric buses, each featuring AI-powered safety systems, in the longer term.
Green Fuel Shift & Operating Cost Optimization
MSRTC’s diesel consumption of around 10.7 lakh litres per day—costing approximately ₹33,000–34,000 crore annually—has driven the push for cleaner fuels.
- CNG/LNG hybrid buses will offer improved fuel efficiency (~5.5 km/l vs. 4 km/l for diesel)
- A 20% discount on LNG via Kings Gas and dedicated CNG/LNG fueling infrastructure (90 LNG + 20 CNG stations) will enhance economic viability
Smart, Safe, and Digital
MSRTC is embracing the “own bus” model, moving away from Gross Cost Contracts (GCC) and directly owning 5,000 buses per year—including 1,000 e‑smart buses—through 2027.
The new buses will include:
- AI-enabled CCTV for driver monitoring (yawning, phone use) and passenger safety
- Fire prevention systems: foam-based suppression and anti-theft automatic locking
- Advanced telematic features: GPS, real-time tracking, Wi‑Fi, breath analysers .
- Hybrid drivetrains for LNG/CNG-plus-diesel flexibility
These specifications create large-volume demand opportunities for chassis manufacturers, body builders, telematics OEMs, and Tier-1 suppliers focusing on safety integrations.
Depot Ecosystem Overhaul: From Stands to “Bus Ports”
MSRTC will revamp its 840 depots into modern bus ports, with facilities inspired by Gujarat’s successful bus port model.
Upgrades include:
- E-toilets, clean waiting areas and smart toilets.
- Drivers’ lounges with hot water, laundry, rest zones.
- Safety-first depot design and female-friendly sanitation
- ATM installations at over 200 high-traffic depots, cargo movement facilities, and support zones for women and staff
- Continuous redevelopment of 72 major bus stations and emphasis on contract transparency through competitive bidding
MSRTC to Launch Shivneri Bus Services From Hinjawadi to Aurangabad, Kolhapur and Nashik
Conclusion
The strategic announcement of MSRTC new buses marks the beginning of a comprehensive modernisation cycle: high-volume clean-energy fleets, safe and smart bus designs, and upgraded depot infrastructure.
This offers OEMs, suppliers, and integrators a multi-year roadmap of collaborative business and innovation opportunities linked to green mobility targets and digital transformation in public transport.
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