To further build a more environment friendly-society, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is gradually replacing diesel buses with Electric-Shivneri AC buses on the Mumbai-Pune route. Out of the 100 buses plying on this popular route, 70 buses have already switched to electric. As per reports, MSRTC plans to completely phase out diesel buses along on this route by Diwali.
As per MSRTC official, Shekhar Channe, passengers can look forward to a comfortable and quiet ride between the two cities, via the Pune Expressway, once the transition is complete. Notably, the introduction of electric buses has proven financially beneficial for the corporation. The official informed that as per the wet lease, the current rent per km is ₹57, whereas the authorities earn ₹70 per km, leading to a profit of ₹13.
This electrification initiative is expected to significantly reduce MSRTC’s diesel expenses, which currently account for a substantial portion of their operational costs. As a result, authorities anticipate cost savings and continued growth in ridership, with over 54 lakh daily passengers across all bus routes in Maharashtra.
