Aurangabad, Dec 20:
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will be attempting to provide 150 new electric buses in the state for the passengers in the next six months, informed the vice president and managing director, Shekhar Channe here on Sunday. Similarly, around 3000 diesel buses will be converted into liquefied natural gas (LPG) buses to tackle the fuel price hike, he said.
Channe was addressing a divisional meeting at Aurangabad on Sunday and then interacted with the press.
MSRTC is now concentrating on reducing the expenditure and increasing the revenue. The fuel prices are increasing day by day and hence the diesel buses will be converted into the LPG buses. In all, 500 buses will be converted in the first phase and later the total 3000 buses will be converted into LPG. However, these buses cannot run more than 150 kms and hence we are thinking to adopt the new technology, he said.
In all, 550 Shivshahi buses were operated on rental basis in the state, but the suppliers have reduced the number to 225 now. There is a need to increase these buses, he said.
MSRTC is known for accident-free and safe travel. Now, precautions are being taken to prevent the Corona infection. Moreover, 1000 buses are involved in the goods transportation in the state and it is getting a good response. We are planning for buses with the cold storage facility to transport medicines, fruits and vegetables, Channe said.