Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik Instructs MSRTC to Purchase Buses Annually Instead of Leasing

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to stop leasing buses and will instead focus on purchasing them, according to officials. This decision was announced by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik during a review meeting at the transport commissioner's office. MSRTC is now tasked with buying 5,000 new red buses annually under its ownership.

During the meeting, Sarnaik highlighted the need for a five-year plan for acquiring self-owned buses. He also stressed the importance of scrapping buses that will be phased out of service within the next five years. A detailed study is recommended to formulate this plan.

Electric Buses and Infrastructure

Sarnaik also urged MSRTC to incorporate new electric buses into its fleet. He suggested prioritising the installation of charging stations at each depot to support these electric vehicles. This move aligns with the corporation's goal of modernising its fleet and infrastructure.

Interestingly, the large-scale acquisition of private buses, including 5,100 air-conditioned electric buses from Olectra, began during Eknath Shinde's tenure as chief minister and chairperson of MSRTC. This shift towards electric buses marks a significant change in strategy for the corporation.

Revenue Enhancement Strategies

To boost revenue, Sarnaik proposed several initiatives. These include using digital advertisements on buses and setting up commercial pumps at depots. Additionally, he suggested following up on a toll exemption proposal with the government to further support MSRTC's financial health.

The minister also emphasised ensuring that employees receive their salaries by the 7th of each month without delay. To achieve this, he directed MSRTC to devise supplementary schemes for revenue generation and prepare a proposal to secure advance allocation of state funds.

Sarnaik's directives aim to strengthen MSRTC's operational efficiency and financial stability. By focusing on self-owned buses and exploring new revenue streams, the corporation seeks to enhance its services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.