MSRTC electrifies 70% of Mumbai-Pune bus fleet

MSRTC might electrify 100% of the buses on this route by Diwali.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is slowly replacing diesel buses running on the Mumbai-Pune route with all-electric e-Shivneri buses. Out of the 100 buses plying on this popular route, only 30 diesel buses remain.

MSRTC aims to phase out diesel buses completely on this route in a few months. Reports suggest that MSRTC might electrify 100% of the buses on this route by Diwali.

According to Shekhar Channe, MD, MSRTC, the e-buses currently plying on this route are already generating profits. "Our lease rent to the private operator on wet lease is around Rs 57 per km, while our earning is Rs 70 per km, which has helped us make some profits," he said.

MSRTC has been operating diesel-powered Volvo and Scania buses on the Dadar-Pune, Thane-Pune and Borivali-Pune routes.

Source: ET Auto