In a major step toward modernizing public transportation and promoting environmental sustainability, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to introduce 5,000 electric buses into its fleet over the next two years. These electric ST buses will operate across rural, urban, and semi-urban areas, significantly improving connectivity while reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to phase out outdated and inefficient buses that currently cause frequent breakdowns and inconvenience to passengers. Many of the existing buses in ST depots are in poor condition, leading to delays and mechanical failures that disrupt daily commutes.
The project is being executed in collaboration with EV Trans Private Ltd., which has now issued a revised delivery schedule after initial delays in fulfilling their earlier commitment. The original plan involved the procurement of 5,150 air-conditioned electric buses, but only 220 buses were delivered between March 2024 and January 2025 — comprising 138 nine-meter buses and 82 twelve-meter buses.
The company had faced the risk of contract cancellation due to non-fulfillment of delivery deadlines. However, a new phased schedule has now been announced:
620 buses to be delivered by the end of 2025
2,100 buses in 2026
The remaining units by 2027
An MSRTC official confirmed that the corporation will closely monitor the implementation of this revised schedule to avoid further delays.
To ensure financial accountability, MSRTC has opened a new department-wise account, under which payments to the company will be made based on income generated from the electric buses. This model is aimed at maintaining transparency and aligning payments with performance.
The deployment of electric buses is expected to reduce fuel expenditure significantly and provide more reliable and eco-friendly public transport, especially in rural regions where travel options are limited. The electric fleet is also expected to contribute meaningfully to the state’s climate action goals by cutting emissions from fossil-fuel-based transport.