Maharashtra’s Largest Vehicle Scrapping Center to Be Set Up in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Pratap Sarnaik
In a major step towards sustainable development and modernization of transport infrastructure, Maharashtra’s largest vehicle scrapping center will soon be established in Khultabad, located in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The project will be developed on 100 acres of land belonging to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), through a public-private partnership model.
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced the development during a review meeting of the corporation held on June 27. The meeting was attended by MSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, along with senior officers from various departments.
In Line with Central Guidelines
The proposed facility is part of the implementation of the Central Government’s Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) Policy, introduced in 2021. This policy mandates the scientific dismantling of vehicles that are more than 15 years old, while ensuring that their spare parts are not reused, thereby promoting road safety and environmental sustainability.
The Maharashtra Government adopted the policy in 2023 and laid down procedures for setting up scrapping centers in line with Automotive Industry Standards (AIS). Currently, there are eight authorized scrapping centers operating in the state, each with the capacity to process at least 1,000 vehicles annually.
"As the Transport Minister and Chairman of the ST Corporation, I have the authority to approve this project. We will fast-track its implementation,” said Sarnaik during the meeting.
Boost to MSRTC and Regional Economy
This scrapping center is expected to provide a sustainable and independent source of revenue for MSRTC, apart from facilitating the eco-friendly disposal of outdated and non-functional ST buses. The project will also contribute to reducing pollution and reclaiming scrap metal for reuse in the industrial sector.
In addition to the scrapping center, several key reforms and policy initiatives were discussed in the meeting, including:
Recruitment of staff through contract methods
Clear guidelines for transfers and promotions of employees and officers
A new vehicle procurement policy
The facility is projected to give an industrial boost to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, positioning it as a hub for vehicle recycling in Maharashtra and aiding in the financial revival of the state transport corporation.