MSRTC to add 800 new buses to its fleet

In recent developments, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to add 800 new buses.

Moreover, a tender has been issued regarding the same which is to include 150 air-conditioned sleeper buses and 100 buses running on electricity.

According to sources, the MSRTC has 15,800 buses in its fleet, most of which are red coloured vehicles. The number of buses in ST's fleet has decreased due to the non-purchase of new ones in the last one and a half years. At present, ST needs another 2,000 buses. However, the corporation has decided to procure 700 new trains first. All the buses will be in the BS-6 system. The MSRTC has 500 simple buses running on a diesel engine and 50 buses on CNG. In addition, 150 air-conditioned sleeper buses and seating type buses are to be added to the fleet.

Earlier, the MSRTC had decided to introduce 700 new buses. This decision is touted to help the commuters and tackle overcrowding. A tender has been issued for the same which includes 150 non-air-conditioned sleeper and seater buses. According to sources, after Diwali, all these buses will arrive in phases.

On the other hand, the MSRTC has decided to install liquefied natural gas or LNG engine in its fleet. Moreover, a proposal regarding the same has been sent to the state government as well for approval. In order to reduce the expenses spent on fuel, on an experimental basis, 3,000 buses will be converted to LNG. Post that, a decision will be made after considering the responses.