The Maharashtra State Regional Transport Corporation’s (MSRTC) ambitious plan to convert its entire diesel-powered Shivneri bus fleet on the Pune-Mumbai route to e-buses has hit a roadblock. The decision to cancel the transition stems from concerns about potential power outages in cities, including Pune, which could severely impact the reliability of electric buses.
While Mumbai experiences relatively fewer electricity outage issues, Pune, Thane, and Dadar face intermittent power problems. Given that e-buses rely on electricity for recharging, the risk of operational disruptions during power outages prompted MSRTC to reconsider the complete transition. Currently, 85 e-Shivneri buses operate between Pune and Mumbai’s Borivali, Thane, and Dadar.
The initial plan aimed to replace the entire fleet of approximately 105 diesel-run Shivneri buses with the e-Shivneri brand of electric buses. However, in the revised strategy, 20 diesel-run Shivneri buses and over 20 semi-luxury Hirkani buses will continue to operate on the same route to ensure uninterrupted service during power-related emergencies.
E-buses on the Mumbai-Pune route commenced operations earlier this year, following their introduction between Pune and Ahmednagar in May of the previous year. The Pune-Mumbai route is a vital transportation corridor for MSRTC, with Shivneri buses alone catering to around 6,000 passengers daily. Recognizing the route’s significance, MSRTC prioritizes safety and reliability, with plans to add 1,000 more e-buses to its fleet in the coming year.
While the focus remains on enhancing electric bus services, commuters have raised concerns about the condition of other MSRTC buses. Observations indicate the deteriorated state of Shivshahi buses, while older buses in rural areas are also reportedly in poor condition.
