[vivek95]

MSRTC Maharashtra introduces new segment of intercity AC bus services under the brand name ''ShivShahi''.

Moderators -- The existing threads on MSRTC are those of Shivneri Volvo/Scania services limited to Pune-Mumbai route, hence creating a new thread as ShivShahi is different from Shivneri. If you feel so, merge this with an appropriate thread and kindly accept my apologies.

''ShivShahi'' category was launched in Jan 2016 by Maharashtra's Transport Minister in Mumbai, but the new fleet of AC buses were yet to be procured then. The ''ShivShahi'' AC bus services are promised to be cheaper than the existing MSRTC's premium ''Shivneri'' brand of high-end Volvo/Scania buses. ShivShahi will be reportedly placed midway between the existing Non-AC push back Hirkani/Asiad semi luxury buses and Shivneri premium segments. 500 ShivShahi AC buses will be added to MSRTC fleet within the next few months and it is reported that 300 of them will be ''seater'' versions while remaining 200 will be ''Sleeper'' versions. The said buses will be plying across the length and breadth of the state connecting most of the major cities and towns of Maharashtra with some services planned even to major cities of neighbouring states viz. Karnataka,Goa,Telangana etc. There is also an unconfirmed news from fans of MSRTC from other forums that 500 more such AC buses will be added in the next lot.

Shivneri Volvo/Scania services have garnered a huge success in the Western Maharashtra sector on the Pune--Mumbai/Nasik/Aurangabad/Kolhapur/Sangli routes for over a decade, with Pune-Mumbai being their flagship and hot route. However, the rest of the state was awaiting such AC services since a very long time and ''ShivShahi'' buses will be rolled out keeping this in mind. While it is reported that new fleet of Shivneri Volvo and Scania buses would also be operated on other routes of the state in the days to come, it is ''ShivShahi'' which is going to be mostly affordable by a common man as the fare structure of Shivneri is pretty costly. The make of ShivShahi buses is not clear to me but from the below pics it looks like they would be TATA / Leyland buses and this could also be the reason why these buses will be operated with lesser fare structure than the premium Shivneri Volvo/Scania. The air-conditioned ShivShahi buses will have the latest amenities like Wi-Fi and personal TV screens.

I had read somewhere that the fare structure of Shivneris is currently Rs.16 per ''stage'' (1 stage = 6 kms) while that of ShivShahi is rumoured to be 9 or 10/-, but please note this is an unconfirmed information.



Read more here - http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/Top-...hi-buses-29948

Posting some pics of the ShivShahi buses, all credits to original photographers

[v1kram]

Looks like the featured buses are built by Antony on Ashok Leyland chassis (most probably 225HP).

[vivek95]

Originally Posted by vivek95

I had read somewhere that the fare structure of Shivneris is currently 15/- per km while that of ShivShahi is rumoured to be 9 or 10/- per km, but please note this is an unconfirmed information.

Sorry for the inadvertent mistake done there. Its not per ''km'' but approx Rs.16 per ''stage'' and 1 stage = 6 kms. Source - dates back to 2014 - https://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in/ind.../node/index/92

Originally Posted by v1kram

Looks like the featured buses are built by Antony on Ashok Leyland chassis (most probably 225HP).

Thanks for the info and you are right. Quoting from the news article I shared previously --

The ShivShahi buses may not be as comfortable like Volvo buses and not as hightech as Shivneri since we are looking at common man’s affordability. The Shivneri has an engine capacity of 290 HP and can go up to 100kilometres per hour, while the new buses have an engine capacity of 225 HP and will have speed limit of 80 kmph.

[vivek95]

Finally, after a gruelling long gap, MSRTC ShivShahi AC buses are all set to roll. On the ocassion of MSRTC's foundation day i.e today, these two buses were inaugurated at Mumbai central depot and apparently this pair, rather surprisingly, would be deployed on the interstate Mumbai--Belgaum,Karnataka route - 500 kms one way. (Hey Belgaum's my hometown ). However please note that this is an unconfirmed news and there's a rumour that these buses could be used for Pune--Sangli ( Shivneri AC Scanias already operational on this route ) or Mumbai--Nasik routes ( no AC bus by MSRTC yet on this route ).
Apparently, this bus is a 12m Ashok Leyland CRS model, so I guess powered by a 225 hp engine.

Pic credits -Paresh Ghanekar, MSRTC Lovers Group

[King_pin09]

A welcome move by MSRTC; where an attempt is being made to strike a balance between affordability and luxury. Off late MSRTC has been picking a leaf or two from KSRTC by providing an array of options to commuters for travel. However, restricting speeds to 80 Kmph (again similar to KSRTC) may not be as much favored by the commuters who wish to reach their destination quickly.

The Airavat Bliss from KSRTC, which features individual LED TV's, a full form Pantry, Toilets, et-al, still remains a benchmark when it comes to state operated bus services.

[binaiks]

Originally Posted by King_pin09

A welcome move by MSRTC; where an attempt is being made to strike a balance between affordability and luxury. Off late MSRTC has been picking a leaf or two from KSRTC by providing an array of options to commuters for travel. However, restricting speeds to 80 Kmph (again similar to KSRTC) may not be as much favored by the commuters who wish to reach their destination quickly.

The Airavat Bliss from KSRTC, which features individual LED TV's, a full form Pantry, Toilets, et-al, still remains a benchmark when it comes to state operated bus services.

MSRTC, however, needs to work harder to match fares with private operators. MSRTC fares are perhaps the highest in the country, especially for the premium services.

[avingodb]

2 issues I have with these;
1) why white?
2) seriously TV? especially given the quality of roads and maintainence issues that these busses face, its a useless investment.

I would rather put seatbelts in some form into those

[freedom]

There used to be "Sheetal" buses earlier. Tata/Leyland with AC. And I vaguely remember something before sheetal as well.
Those services were OK to begin with but didn't age well. Plus the difference in fares between Sheetal and Shivneri was not that big.

The problem was they were no match for the Volvos in the ghats They were as slow as the normal ST bus and the AC would sometimes die down on steep climbs.

I hope Shivshahi buses get maintained and age well

[feluda86]

Excellent and informative post. From your pictures, these new buses seem more premium than the existing Shivneris with higher legroom, TV unit, ambient lighting among others. So is it that just shifting from Volvo to TATA/Ashok Leyland has allowed the government to offer "more for less"?

With Shivneris breaking down more often now due to lack to maintenance, these buses will be my first choice at least for a couple of years.

[centaur]

The number plates are in the regional language. Is it just for the inaugural purposes or it is meant to be that way? Shivneri and Ashwamedh do not have regional plates AFAIK

[silverado]

Shivshahi has stared new services to Mahableswar. Have heard these buses are going to replace Hirkani buses altogether. Its a welcome move if the fare structure is similar to Hirkani.

[agspins]

MSRTC has placed orders with MG Group for 250 Buses. Nagpur CBS has mostly MG buses in its fleet. IMHO better looking than Antony Buses.
P.C: Google