Electric buses worth Rs. 2,500 crore are being procured by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), set to be deployed across major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Thane. This initiative aims to curb air pollution and enhance public transportation in the state. The inauguration of these e-buses took place at Khopat Bus Station, Thane, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shinde emphasized the significance of e-buses while also advocating for the improvement of existing bus depots and addressing the concerns of MSRTC employees. To support the operation of these electric buses, charging stations are being established at over 173 bus stations statewide, with 10 stations already operational. The project commences with buses running on the Borivali-Thane-Nashik route. Designed by Electric Bus Manufacturer Olectra, these air-conditioned 34-seater e-buses will commence service on the mentioned route starting tomorrow, with ticket fares matching those of the existing Hirakani (Asiad) buses. Notably, women will receive a 50% discount, senior citizens aged between 65 and 75 will also get a 50% discount, while Amrut senior citizens will enjoy a 100% discount on ticket fares. Advanced booking for these buses will be available on the official website and mobile reservation app of MSRTC.
MSRTC spokesperson Abhijit Bhosale told LokmatTimes.com, “There 2 types of e- buses- Shivneri and Shivai. At present, there are total 83 e- Shivneri buses and 50 e-Shivai buses. 20 new electric buses have been added today along the Borivali-Thane-Nashik route.” Bhosale informed that MSRTC hasn’t planned to accelerate more long distance e-buses like Thane to Kolhapur as battery range in electric vehicles while covering long distance deteriorates much faster (upto 30+40%) in hot weather conditions. “Right now, we are focusing on short- distance e-buses. These e-buses will cover 200- 300 km distance. For an instance, if an e-bus is travelling from Thane to Pune, then charging span of 2 hours is required to complete a single trip,” informed Bhosale. The MSRTC operates buses in remote areas of Maharashtra and also a few services in other states. With a fleet size of 15,945 buses, the MSRTC serves approximately 53 lakh commuters daily. While talking to the reporters, CM Shinde said, “EV is the need of the hour. Times are changing as technology is developing. We are bringing systematic improvement in ST bus stands. We want ST buses to reach each and every corner of remote areas. Even villagers should travel with AC e-buses. MIDC is spending 600 crores for the beautification of bus stands of MSRTC across the state.” Shinde also inspected the Khopat bus depot and instructed the officials to improve the deteriorating state of the depot.
After the inauguration event, LokmatTimes.com visited the restrooms, washrooms and other facilities in which ST employees live after completing their night duty. “There is no basic facility of drinking water. Solar is installed since last 5 years but warm water doesn’t come. We are demanding proper beds to sleep in the restroom as we are required to sleep down at the floor only. Daily, we drive up to 500 km but don’t get proper sleep due to lack of cleanliness and other facilities,” told ST employees. They informed that despite receiving adequate funds, ST administration ignores them. They informed that they don’t get their salaries on time despite working so hard. CM on the other hand ordered to start incentives for the ST employees so that their hard work gets payed off. When contacted to the MSRTC officials regarding the issues of the employees, they told LokmatTimes.com that their team is inspecting the issues and will take note of them by bringing systematic reforms.